Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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

EDITORIAL

A game of deception When a government refuses to take its population into its confidence it deserves to be rejected by those people. Over the past few years, Guyana, through Head of the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited-NICIL-has been telling the people that it cannot disclose information on negotiations. The first time the local media became aware that the government was not prepared to release information on its dealings with foreign companies was when the very people told the local media that they were in talks with the Guyana Government over plans to construct a hotel. The government was livid. Immediately it cancelled the talks with this company out of Grenada. The next time that the local media got caught up in this debacle was when a Chinese company out of Jamaica released details of plans it had with the government for the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. This time the reaction by the Guyana Government was even harsher. Head of NICIL, Winston Brassington, called the company and a few hours later, the public relations officer simply told the local newspaper that it would have to get information out of the Guyana Government. Lo and behold, the government got into talks with two Hong Kong men based in the British Virgin Islands over the Marriott Hotel. These two men had nothing against talking about their involvement and Khemraj Ramjattan released the information. The government knew that the story was out but kept quiet. Brassington would not answer questions about the talks with the two Chinese businessmen and despite being accused of being irresponsible the media subsequently declined to publish further information. They could not confirm because the British Virgin Islands also had a law that prevented disclosure. This business of confidentiality may be good if there is some business interest to protect. However, it is not unusual for companies to talk about their dealings. In the United States where companies are always entering into mergers or are going on sale the question of confidentiality does not arise. And if it does, someone on the inside always comments. Many of the major businesses are on the stock exchange and their future depends on the movement of the stocks. To keep a deal under wraps could be considered criminal especially if that deal causes the price of the stocks to fall and people to lose money. In the case of Guyana, Winston Brassington’s excuse is that media chases away potential investors. That is nothing but poppycock. In fact, it is patently dishonest. Before a company enters into an agreement with whatever it is in Guyana the decision makers would have researched Guyana and the company. We have all seen the damning reports about trying to do business in Guyana. These reports were not hatched by the local media. The only reason for Brassington to insist that there be no disclosure of the deals is because he knows that when there is a signature the deal is complete. It is binding. The nation is then presented with a fait accompli-mission accomplished. When these things happen and the newspapers react the government complains that the newspapers are hurting the economy. And in the same breath the government says that the economy is booming. Many of these contracts are so repulsive that should the nation become aware the people are bound to sanction the government. The Berbice River Bridge is a case in point. The government used the public treasury to fund a significant portion of the bridge but gets nothing for its investment. For the National Investment Scheme to recover its money it had to sell its shares to a private company. In the case of the Marriott, the government is not going to get a cent for its investment, all US$20 million of it. The other investors, many of them local but protected by Brassington’s confidentiality clause, will get significant dividends. Is the government using the taxpayers to enhance the fortunes of a select few? Brassington has the answer.

Tuesday May 27, 2014

Letters... Where your views make the news

Sham ‘solidarity’ benefits no one; act locally, Mr. Rohee! DEAR EDITOR, Recently, I read a news article in which the Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Clement Rohee, when asked his opinion about the case of Alex Griffith - the 15year-old boy who was taken away from his mother and shot in the mouth by a Cadet Officer - said that he was not aware of this issue. (Exact quote from Mr. Rohee- “I have to confess that I’m not so much up to date on that because I was out for a while and I’m still to get a briefing from Mr. Persaud.” Sourcehttp://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2 014/05/20/teen-shot-in-mouththreeweeks-later-home-affairs-ministerstill-awaiting-briefing/) I was amazed then at Minister Rohee’s cluelessness. I was further amazed however, when I attended an event at Red House last Friday, May 23rd, at which Mr. Rohee was the keynote speaker. The event was organized by the women’s branch of the PPP - the WPO, and was advertised as a ‘Solidarity Forum’ with the Nigerian schoolgirls. There were many incredible things about this event beginning with the fact that most of the

people present were completely unaware of the issue in the first place something that was made evident when the moderator asked for those who knew about the kidnapped girls to show their hands and only about half a dozen hands were raised. It’s amazing that so many people made the decision to spend several hours of their precious Friday afternoon engaged in showing solidarity on an issue they knew nothing about. It was also incredible to see and hear comments about the preciousness of children and the importance of respecting their rights from religious leaders such as Rev Kwame Gilbert, Pandit Raj from the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, and sister Zahoora from the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana. I had been hoping to hear from the extensive Guyanese religious community for quite some time now, on issues such as young Alex Griffith’s distressing experience with the police, as well as that of the young girls alleging rape and abuse at the NOC - but had been waiting in vain, seemingly. So it was nice to get evidence that these individuals and

organizations were alive and well, and that they did indeed care about child rights, including, incredibly, those living as far away as Nigeria. But the most amazing thing of all was the speech by Mr. Rohee in which he covered topics ranging from the missing Malaysian aircraft, speculations about alien life forms, along with a comprehensive analysis of the problems of post-colonialism and the origins of Boko Haram. According to Mr. Rohee, who declared that he had spent much time contemplating this issue, and who indeed seemed to have a great deal of insight into the matter, Boko Haram formed after some unemployed, criminally-inclined youth who had previously been working for the politicians got ‘bussed off’ and decided to retaliate by forming their own organization to terrorize their former bosses. I was amazed at Mr. Rohee’s keen understanding of this complex situation as well as his commitment to international solidarity which he expressed as “thinking locally, but (Continued on page 23)

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) - A Disappointing Development Partner DEAR EDITOR, At a recent meeting at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Headquarters in Barbados with its President, Guyana’s Finance Minister and Chairman of CDB Board of Governors, Dr. Ashni Singh praised the CDB for its proven service and reliability as a partner for Guyana’s development, as is evidenced by the country’s growth and development because of the grants and loans it made over the years. He further lauded the transformational effects of CDB projects for the systematic reduction of poverty across Guyana, particularly in its rural and remote areas. The CDB has made many loans to Guyana over the years, but most of them have failed to achieve their development objectives, as the projects

were poorly executed resulting in completion delays and cost overruns as was evidenced by the Good Hope Ferry Stelling and the East Bank and East Coast Highway upgrades and others. Therefore, Minister Singh should be more specific and state which CDB loans were success stories with respect to agricultural development and have combated the ill effects of climate change in Guyana. Contrary to claims, the CDB has made no significant loan for renewable energy nor has it addressed climate change concerns to safeguard sustainable development in Guyana. The CDB is facing difficult times as its credit rating has recently been downgraded, which means that its borrowing costs for on-lending to its member countries will be more

expensive. Some of its major sources of funding - the World Bank, CIDA and USAID are ‘drying up’ and because of the high indebtedness of many of its members, they do not have the money to increase their share capital of the Bank to provide needed funding for worthwhile projects, while investors are wary of providing funding for the Bank lest debt servicing becomes a major problem for them. The CDB has been lax with respect to enforcing the terms and conditions of its loans, particularly as they relate to project execution and the selection of contractors and consultants, many of whom have failed to perform on CDBfinanced projects. Its staff has been tardy in monitoring the disbursement of funds to ensure they are made for work (Continued on page 23)

Occupational health and safety is of greatest importance DEAR EDITOR, I write you on a matter that I consider to be of supreme importance to the future development of the nation. We often postulate that people are our greatest asset and at other times we like to quote the late Sir Jock Campbell that people are greater than shops, factories and ships. Occupational health and safety is of greatest importance and should not be sidelined on the altar of expediency. Wherever workers are housed or made to work must always be in locations where their safety and comfort must be such that they can perform without endangering themselves or others. We have laws governing safety in the workplace, but I feel these laws must be revisited urgently and revised where

necessary in order to ensure that places of work are indeed safe for the performance of the stated activity. On a related matter I feel that individual workers must be certificated in the required safety procedures before they can be allowed to perform the given task. Here I refer to welders, fitters, riggers, roof maintainers and all those whose work involves a given and perceptible risk of danger to themselves, fellow workers and the public. It is time the nation goes modern and realizes that for every injured worker the nation loses substantial dollars for health care and convalescing. Indoor air quality is a serious matter whenever we have persons sitting or performing work in rooms, auditoriums or confined spaces. Employers who

have workers in such locations must be mandated to ensure that adequate indoor air quality is at all times present. Air circulation must be reasonable to ensure that workers are comfortable and can readily complete their assigned tasks. In the case of Qualfon, they as employers ought to have ensured that the work area was adequately ventilated. As we go forward we need to establish visible standards for worker safety. We know jobs are hard to come by, but still the employer has an obligation to ensure worker safety and comfort. Qualfon should have renovated this building to ensure that in case of power failure the place could have been better ventilated. I hope other employers learn from this incident. Cyril Walker

Tuesday May 27, 2014

Kaieteur News

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

The ‘Sultan Mohamed’ group is becoming less and less viable to fool this generation

DEAR EDITOR, Back in 2012, I addressed a letter to the pseudonym ‘Sultan Mohamed’ where I demonstrated that the PPP is constructed as a Cult and not as a Political Party capable of evolution. Firstly, I must address their twisted political logic, that, it is no longer a speculation that your Pradovilles are constructed on the sweat, blood and legitimate rights of the racedivided Guyanese, because that situation serves your divide-and-rule purpose.

Georgetown is how it is, because of PPP politics post1995. Look at the disgraceful shameless behaviour of your planted representative there in 2014, and we are well aware of the conduct of previous Local Government Ministers. As one letter writer termed it ‘you borrow money to steal’, I must inform your group, that some of us Afroand Indo-Guyanese have concluded to humble living because our upward movement, based on our talents and skills, have to be accredited and rewarded

Long overdue, but better late than never DEAR EDITOR, Permit me to be added as yet another Guyanese sending laudatory remarks and encomiums on Brigadier Granger for grasping the bull by the horns, or better still acting as the psychiatrist, rather than permitting the lunatics to run the asylum. This is a long overdue step, and urgently needed measure, -- the investigation of so-called representatives of the long arm of the law. Sadly the long arm of the law has for far too long, been strong arming the citizens and getting away with it, unpunished and seemingly unnoticed in higher spheres. The citizens can only endure so much for so long, and who knows, they may be a nanometer away from staging insurrection. Shame, shame and more shame on the Government for failing to even conjure up this thought before, and even further shame on the learned Attorney General, for deeming the motion frivolous and vexatious. I would proffer a bet that the Attorney General, of all the players in this comedic situation, should be conversant with the fact that in law, the term vexatious refers to an action brought without sufficient grounds for winning. How much farther does a condom-covered baton have to be inserted, or the flames on a genital area have to destroy, for these not to be considered vexatious? In fact, on the contrary, his mode of thinking compounded by his choice of words would make the parents of the victim sore vex. How long would government officials have continued in their selfdesigned lackadaisical, myopic fashion? How much more were the citizens expected to bear?

To crown it all, the sordid and blatant infringement of the citizens’ human rights should not have required the Brigadier to pilot his way through parliament to have a motion passed, a legislative gesture that should have been initiated by the Government. Every act of torture perpetrated by the agents of the Police Force against lawabiding citizens, and brought before the court, should cite the Government as either the impleaded party or the miseen-cause. The police credo worldwide has been - to protect and serve. Rouse me from my reverie in believing that the police in Guyana have been sworn to a different oath and following a different motto. Yes, since 1988, Guyana has been a signatory to the United Nations Convention Against Torture, and to all apparent reason Guyana is in contravention, if not disregard, of the terms and condition to which their signature was affixed. Perhaps the U.N should be made aware and, accordingly, let them decide on the possible course of action that should be taken. If Guyana would not act then let the Master act for them. It is blatantly apparent that not only is the present Government driving recklessly in the driver’s seat, but it is also failing to see the emotional carnage brought about by its reckless manoeuvres. President Ramotar should forthwith be advised to support the motion advocated by Brigadier Granger, and set in motion, at the earliest opportunity I daresay, all that is necessary to establish a Commission of Inquiry. It is long overdue, but then again better late than never. Aluta continua-The struggle continues. Yvonne Sam

outside of Guyana, because we are victims of what is now established as ‘Ideological Racism’ plus spite, and it was the manipulation of race, not ideas, that have always been the factor to exist of the PPP, with the Indo-Guyanese as your pawns, and they’re not accepting the bottom-house ‘Black man ah déblé’ anymore. You know nothing about me, thus, it’s a waste of time to address the rest of your assumptions. I penned a letter on Tuesday May 20, in the Kaieteur News, questioning the prudence of an advertisement placed in Kaieteur/Stabroek on May 15, by the Indian High Commission, on the requirement of ‘Race’ as the qualification for some Scholarships offered because I have never seen an advertisement placed by any other Nation with ‘Race’ as a requirement to facilitate acceptance for anything hosted by those Nation/s. In the Kaieteur News of Saturday May 24, ‘Sultan Mohamed’ group became the mouthpiece of the Indian High Commission, with a letter which did not address the substance of my letter but entered into irrelevant, ragedriven fabrications and his/ her innate racism, with a diarrhoea of diatribes outside of the context that my letter was written in. Even implying their [the Sultan-group] own illness of racism to me, accusing me of despising Indians, naturally among them my own relatives. I will address the only area that can truly be attributed to me by Mohamed, quote: “that India stands out as the host nation of the infamous Bramanic cult with its bizarre ideologies of racist oppression” (Unquote). I also referred to strong efforts in India, by Indians, to resist those

practices. I was trained in the rudiments of Scientific illustrating in the discipline of Archaeology, techniques, materials and the social aspects of icons was a mustknow, and I have never stopped exploring. However, this is none of Mohamed’s business, except to say that my literary studies on this subject are predominantly from Indian sources on the functional, current Bramanic system, and are well grounded. Practical experience lies in several areas; I will cite one such experience. In the late eighties, during the 150th year of Indian Indentureship celebrations in Guyana, I was employed-in-training at the Walter Roth Museum. My friend, Dudley Charles, was Programme Assistant, Department of Culture. I accompanied him to the Cyril Potter Training School, where the performing arrivals from India were to be settled. The first arrivals posed some surprising problems which I will not mention in this letter, but eventually they were settled in. Then came the second wave - this no one was prepared for. This group refused to use the bath facilities, rooms where the first group occupied or had used, on the grounds of caste. We argued with some hostility that this was what

was available, unable to comprehend the normal range of such bigotry. If this was not bizarre, then what? For further reference read Cheddi Jagan’s references to the Caste system in ‘The West on Trial’, and I presume that you did not attend Dr Clem Seecharan’s latest reading at Moray House where he dealt on the negative afterglow of that experience? A great Internet site for readers of this letter with an interest in Child welfare and this subject to visit would be, via Google: ‘Sleeping with the Goddess’ by Shelly Ngo with Sanjay Sojwal – www.houseofrefuge.india.org/ sleeping_goddess.html. I have extended my response because of the innocent readers who may not have read my letter on the

May 20 and may construe that the letter by ‘Sultan Mohamed’ was grounded in actual racist inferences made by myself. There was a time when I would have responded to each paragraph of the letter by the Sultan group, but thanks to Mr Moses Nagamootoo’s public insight to the PPP’s race-baiting methods, I will deal only with the relevant facts that constituted my letter and some rebuttals of Mohamed’s intended propaganda ruses. The ‘Sultan Mohamed’ group must understand that it is becoming less and less viable to fool this generation with opportunistic, racist garbage. ‘Dis time nah long time, even duck back does get wet now’. Barrington Braithwaite

APNU, STOP PUSSYFOOTING

DEAR EDITOR, The main opposition party APNU should immediately shut up and vote with the People’s Progressive Party to facilitate passage of the Anti Money Laundering Bill. Leave the Alliance for Change to fight for a Procurement Commission and accountability from government. APNU should align itself

with the Government, as it did with the Cricket Administration Bill, and get this bill passed so that we can move on with our lives. The Cricket Bill has more inaccuracies than the Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism Bill, yet APNU found no problem to vote in favour. APNU, vote for the Bill and stop the Pussyfooting. OBSERVER

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 27, 2014

Marriott hotel is born of fraud - Ramjattan …gives rise to justifiable suspicion of kickbacks “This whole project is born of fraud and will suffer even worse (humiliation and embarrassment) if allowed to continue in its present configuration.” This is according to Alliance for Change (AFC) Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, who was responding to the confirmation that it was ACE Square Investment Inc who is the private investor in the Marriott Hotel. ACE Square Investment Limited is a British Virgin Islands (BVI) registered company, owned by two Hong Kong businessmen. “I want to maintain what I had said last y e a r S e p t e m b e r, when I discovered that Ace Investment was the investor NICIL (National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited) was talking to and dealing with to get that investment of US$8M.” The AFC Leader said that his party will definitely not be bound by the terms of such a transaction as is presently being conjured

Khemraj Ramjattan up “to complete this unhappily disgraced Marriott.” Ramjattan said, yesterday, that the AFC support for the project will only come if there is a forensic audit done immediately to investigate among so many things, all the players involved

including former President Bharrat Jagdeo, Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh and NICIL’s Executive Director, Winston Brassington. Ramjattan recalled that Brassington had, last September, denied that there was any negotiation with a BVI Incorporated investor on

the Marriott hotel. “Why then did he lie…What does he have to say now?” According to Ramjattan US$19.5M, “of public monies must not be dealt with by one who is so inexact with the facts…This kind of conduct must be penalized.” Ramjattan said that “it is

The Marriott Hotel under construction in Kingston

misconduct like this which gives rise to justifiable suspicions that this project will see huge, illegitimate benefits and kickbacks to these local players.” “What also makes it smell fishy too is that there is no justification for a two-thirds proprietorship for inputting only US$8M when NICIL is inputting US$19.5M… Why this short changing of the public for the private?” According to the party Leader, “This so-called working class socialist government is now funding the bourgeoisie/capitalist. How ironic, what a somersault…This hardly adds up…We the taxpayers are going to lose out.” He noted, too, that not wanting to be pessimistic, if the fate of the hotel is not as successful as Government is propagandizing; the taxpayers would have made a major loss of a sum which could have been better spent on so many other priority issue. Ramjattan was adamant that the evidence of successes in the hotel industry is not there, “not

from what is happening with Tower Hotel.” He added, too, “Quite frankly even Princess Hotel is struggling…I just hope its (Marriott) fate is not similar to that other project architectured by Jagdeo, the Skeldon Sugar Factory.” Over the weekend Atlantic Hotel Inc (AHI) announced that ACE Square Investment Inc is the investor and its affiliate, Ace Square Management Ltd will operate the Entertainment Complex. AHI is the special purpose company created by Brassington to build and own the Marriott Hotel. ACE Square Investment Inc now has controlling interest (67 per cent) of AHI. Hong Kong businessmen, Victor How Chung Chan, and Xu Han have been identified as the shareholders of the company. NICIL has already injected its US$19.5M, a loan of US$15.5M and an investment of US$4M which it had committed to the project. The Marriott Hotel has been mired in controversy from its inception firstly with the rerouting of the sewerage system before any works had begun. Prior to the NICIL money, Government had given Courtney Benn Contracting Services Limited a US$1M contract for the rerouting of the sewerage system in the Kingston locale. That contract was pulled after more than US$700,000 was paid over. It was then given to an overseas company, for a further US$2M. AHI also leased the prime seven acres of shorefront property on which the hotel rests for a measly US$120 ($24,000) per month with the option to buy.

Tuesday May 27, 2014

Kaieteur News

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Sworn in as India’s leader, Modi speaks of a ‘glorious future’ (Reuters) - Narendra Modi was sworn in as India’s prime minister in an elaborate ceremony at New Delhi’s presidential palace yesterday, after a sweeping election victory that ended two terms of rule by the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty. Millions of Indians watched the inauguration live on television as the 63-yearold Hindu nationalist leader, once thought of as too divisive to lead the world’s largest democracy, took his oath along with his cabinet members in the palace forecourt. The low-caste son of a tea stall-owner, Modi won India’s first parliamentary majority after 25 years of coalition governments, giving him ample room to advance economic reforms that started over two decades ago but stalled in recent years. Many supporters see him as India’s answer to the former U.S. President Ronald Reagan or British leader Margaret Thatcher. One foreign editor has ventured Modi could turn out to be “India’s Deng Xiaoping”, the leader who set China on its path of spectacular economic growth.

Modi said the election had delivered a mandate for “development, good governance and stability”. “Together we will script a glorious future for India. Let us together dream of a strong, developed and inclusive India that actively engages with the global community to strengthen the cause of world peace and development,” he said in a statement. FIREWORKS Modi invited leaders from across South Asia to his swearing-in ceremony, including Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif from rival power Pakistan, an unprecedented gesture. Even before his inauguration, Modi had some recognition abroad, treated by many with suspicion - and by some as a pariah - for Hindu-Muslim violence that erupted 12 years ago in Gujarat, the western state he ruled. The U.S. administration denied Modi a visa in 2005, but President Barack Obama has now invited him to the White House. He has spoken with the presidents of the United States and Russia and he has become one of only three

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi (C) signs a register after taking his oath at the presidential palace in New Delhi. (Credit: Reuters/India’s Presidential Palace/handout via Reuters) people that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe follows on Twitter. The pomp unfolded as the summer evening closed in at Rashtrapati Bhavan, a colonial-era sandstone mansion with 340 rooms in the heart of New Delhi. Looking on were some 4,000

guests, ranging from members of the defeated Nehru-Gandhi family to top industrialists, Bollywood actors, Hindu holy men and the leaders of several neighboring countries. Supporters exploded fireworks in celebration a few

blocks away at the headquarters of his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after he was sworn in. Modi kicked things off on Sunday with an announcement that he would streamline the cabinet and move to a more centralized system of governing aimed at

breaking decision-making bottlenecks widely blamed for dragging down economic growth. Modi said he would appoint ‘super ministers’ in charge of several departments but by late on Monday evening had not revealed the portfolios for the cabinet. Arun Jaitley, 61, will be the finance minister as well as running the defense ministry, party sources said. One of the top corporate lawyers in the country and a close Modi aide, Jaitley served in a previous BJP administration as commerce minister. DIPLOMATICGESTURE Pakistan’s Sharif said after arriving in Delhi that South Asia’s bitterest rivals now had an opportunity to turn a page in their history of troubled relations. He said the nuclear-armed neighbors, which were traumatically separated at the end of British rule in 1947 and have fought three wars since, should together rid their region of the instability that has plagued them for decades. “We should remove fears, mistrust and misgivings about each other,” he told the Indian news network NDTV.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 27, 2014

T&T PM ‘HUMBLED’ - Exclusive ‘Express’ poll shows approval rating rising to 48%

T&T Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said Sunday she was humbled by results of a poll which show her approval ratings have increased and promised that the people of this county can expect more to come from her Government. An Express-commissioned poll conducted by Solution by Simulation (SBS) found that, for the first time since 2011, more citizens of Trinidad and Tobago approve of the job Persad-Bissessar is doing, than those who do not. The poll found that 48 per cent of respondents interviewed approve of the job Persad-Bissessar is doing as prime minister compared to 42 per cent who disapprove. Her approval rating is now 48 per cent compared to 37 per cent in 2013 and 38 per cent in 2012. From May 12 to May 21, SBS interviewed 700 adults throughout the country via telephone calls. The margin of error for the overall sample is +/- 3.7 per cent. Speaking to the Express yesterday, Persad-Bissessar said she was humbled by the poll findings and assured that she will continue to govern fearlessly and with the people always as her priority. “It is with a deep sense of humility that I read of the increase in poll numbers attributed to the popularity of the work I do as Prime Minister. If the poll means that work we are doing is satisfying a greater number of people, then I humbly embrace it all with gratitude. This is never about how well I do, but how much we satisfy the needs and meet the expectations of those who entrust us with that responsibility,” Persad-Bissessar said. She said the People’s Partnership Government was elected on a groundswell of huge support arising out of a period of widespread dissatisfaction and so, much was expected from a population that had endured more than they should ever have been asked to bear. “And against all odds we persevered to turn the economy around and invest in areas where it mattered most to people across the length and breadth of Trinidad and Tobago,” said Persad-Bissessar. “But even as I am encouraged by the polls, we have only just begun our efforts. There is so much more to be done. We have laid the groundwork, now the country will witness an increase in the level of development and new initiatives that are unparalleled in any time of

our nation’s history. And that ultimately will be the full measure of the job to which I dedicate myself completely in leading,” said Persad-Bissessar. “It is said that when you seem down, the greatest comeback you can make is on your terms. If the polls are showing a renewed confidence in me, then it is an endorsement I accept with the greatest humility and inspiration. A politician’s life at any level is filled with ups and downs but longevity is ultimately sustained by the relationship with the people,” said Persad-Bissessar. “I have worked for the people for 30 years, walked among them and listened to them, when they said good, bad and yes, ugly. And I have learnt that every message should be taken constructively. And so, I listened for the past four years and I acted as I always do, with faith, reflection, prayers and always in the best interest of the people who gave me that overwhelming, great privilege of the mandate to serve. But more than that I acted and continue to act in confidence that those decades of trust and service I built with the people of this country has engendered a special relationship and bond which can only grow stronger and I humbly believe that this is what has reflected in your polls,” the Prime Minister added. She said it was with a deep sense of humility that she read of the increase in poll numbers which say essentially that the people still hold their faith in her to best serve their interests. The Prime Minister stressed that the development of the country is her vision and there is much more to come in terms of delivery to the people. “May I take the opportunity to thank those that acknowledge these efforts and to commit myself to work even harder to satisfy the needs of everyone else. “I remain the Kamla they endorsed and inspired to rise for 30 years. I will never stop being that person whose inspiration comes from the people and whose commitment to them will always prevail,” said PersadBissessar. Persad-Bissessar and her Government on Saturday celebrated its fourth anniversary in office at the Mid centre Mall in Chaguanas since assuming office in May 2010. RAMBACHAN: PM IS A LEADER Deputy political leader of the United National Congress (UNC) and Works Minister Dr Suruj Rambachan told the Express that he was not surprised by the poll results as the Prime Minister has always led with integrity and vision regardless of pollsters, “I am not surprised by the Prime Minister’s increased popularity. I have always maintained that the Prime Minister is a leader who governs with principle and integrity in public life,” said Rambachan. He said the country is now beginning to see that that the noble ideals which the Prime Minister enunciated in 2010 have been delivered in her conduct of public affairs. “I also believe that the work of the Government, in particular in the areas of infrastructure and poverty alleviation, is beginning to be noticed and felt,” said Rambachan. “The population is very intelligent and has seen that the negative growth which we inherited in 2010 has been turned around the GDP is now growing positively,” said Rambachan.

Tuesday May 27, 2014

Kaieteur News

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A PRIVATE BRIDGE BUILT MAINLY WITH PUBLIC FUNDS The opposition continues to waste its time in calling for a reduction of the tariffs to cross the Berbice River Bridge. It has failed to grasp an important legal truism: there is nothing that the government can do to reduce these tariffs. This call for the reduction of tariffs was first championed by the Alliance for Change. It has since been picked up by APNU. The AFC is desperate to have the tariffs reduced. This was one of their campaign promises to the people of Berbice. Since they now are part of an opposition that holds a one seat majority in the National Assembly, they know that they will be questioned as to how with this one seat majority they were unable to force the government’s hand to have the tariffs reduced. They will also be questioned why if they were so interested in having the Berbice tariffs reduced, a campaign promise, did they not insist that this be the condition to be satisfied in exchange for their support for the Anti- Money Laundering and the Countering of the Financing of Terrorism Bill (AMLCTB).

They will have problems explaining this because instead of demanding the reduction of the bridge toll in exchange for their support for the passage of the AMLCTB, they have instead linked their support for the passage of this key legislation to the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission. The opponents will make political hay out of this issue. These opponents will argue that instead of attempting its support for the AMLCTB linked to its campaign promise to have the bridge tolls reduced, the AFC wants it linked to the Public Procurement Commission because it was arguing that another contractor should have won the bid to build the specialty hospital. In other words, the AFC has opened itself to criticism that it is more concerned with vested business interests rather than those of the people of Berbice who gave them the votes that allow them to be in parliament. Yes, it was the people of Berbice that was responsible for the AFC’s improved performance in the 2011 elections. It was in Berbice that the AFC stole sufficient votes away from the PPPC to

Dem boys seh ...

Brazzy was promised to see heaven a long time now Last night was de Miss World pageant and dem boys ain’t certain who win or if anybody win. None of dem in de pageant look like if dem can win anything, and is not de boys seh suh. Dem gal tell dem boys fuh seh suh. Is dem same gyal tell dem boys how dem had a TV programme in which each one of dem gyal had to answer questions. One question was how she can know if somebody telling de truth. She seh that all she got to do is watch dem in dem eyes. Well she got a job when de contest done. Dem boys gun beg Donald fuh hire she. All she got to do is watch some of dem in dem eyes. She got to watch all of dem, starting wid de fat crook and de shaat crook, Jagdeo, Rob de Earth, Irfaat and all de Bees fuh find out if dem ever tell de truth in anything dem do. Ah Kneel hear wha dem boys plan suh he start wearing sunshades fuh mek de gyal nah see he eye. Dem ask another question about body. One gyal seh that she can watch de size of de person, de size of he shoes and de size of he belt and she can tell how wealthy he is. Another question was what does de amount of hear pun a man head tell about him. De gyal seh how de less hair he got is de more he thief. Donald stop watching he head. Dem boys hear that Brazzy is no ordinary crook. When he was a li’l boy he neighbor tell dem boys a story. Dem seh that he was waiting fuh he mother to come out of Guyana Stores. As he waiting, a man approach he and ask, “Son, can you tell me where the Post Office is?” Brazzy, de shaat, fat boy, replied, “Sure! Just go straight down this street a couple blocks and turn to your right.” The man thanked Brazzy kindly and said, “I’m the new pastor in town. I’d like for you to come to church on Sunday...I’ll show you how to get to Heaven.” Brazzy reply wid that same sly face that he got on to today. “You’re bullsh…ing me, right? You don’t even know the way to the Post Office! You can show me de way to heaven?” Ten Edghill was de pastor at de time and that is how he end up wukking at de post office before he tun Minister. Talk half and hope Brazzy never find dem way to heaven.

ensure that they got those extra seats that allowed them to hold the balance of power in the National Assembly. The people of Guyana should be told that the AFC’s support in Region Four, the most populous region actually declined in 2011 as compared to 2006. APNU which was the direct beneficiary of the loss of support in Region Four by the AFC would have seen the advantage of lending its support to the AFC’s call for a reduction in the bridge toll. Unfortunately, no amount of pressure is going to change anything. There is nothing, short of outright nationalization of the bridge that the Donald Ramotar administration can do to have the bridge tolls reduced. The Donald Ramotar administration did not build the Berbice River Bridge. The

bridge was built during the tenure of the Bharrat Jagdeo regime. The bulk of the financing of this bridge came from the government. But the financial model, like the one used to construct the Marriott Hotel was flawed and flawed to the extent of being used to benefit the private investors in the bridge. These investors now have the majority on the Board of the company that owns the bridge. They have the most votes on the Board despite the fact that the government was the major financier of the Bridge. The flawed financial model has allowed for the government to cede control of the Board to a handful of small private investors. This issue was highlighted in the Kaieteur News series, The Heist of Guyana. This series showed the flaws of the financial

model that was used in both the Berbice River Bridge and the Marriott Hotel. Under that model even though the government is injecting the most resources into these projects, it is the equity investors who have the controlling interests. This is what Glenn Lall was saying all along-- that ownership of the bridge was ceded to private investors by virtue of a flawed financial model. And he who owns the bridge controls the tolls. It is as simple as that. There is nothing that the government can do to have the bridge tolls reduced. It cannot do anything because the Donald Ramotar administration does not have a voting majority on the Berbice River Bridge Board. And the private investors are never going to allow the

government to have that majority. The AFC knows this very well. This is why not so long ago it made the demand to the President to nationalize the bridge. That of course is dangerous ideological territory especially for a capitalist party like the AFC. APNU has now joined the AFC’s bandwagon in demanding that the tolls be reduced. It will not happen because the government has little say in the management of the bridge. For all intents and purposes this is a private bridge built mainly with public funds, via the genius of the Jagdeo administration.

Stalled negotiations at UG prompt unions to threaten industrial action Even as they threaten to ‘shutdown’ the University of Guyana if Vice Chancellor (VC), Professor Opadeyi, fails to rethink his plans to downsize programmes at the institution, the university unions are also prepared to stage industrial action to retaliate the non-holding of negotiation meetings. At a recent press conference, Vice President of the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA), Dr Mellissa Ifill, categorically noted that “we are serving notice that unless the negotiating team is convened almost immediately the staff will take the necessary action.” According to her on May 2, last, the unions, UGSSA together with the University of Guyana Workers (UGWU), wrote to the Vice Chancellor requesting an urgent meeting of the negotiating team and the unions but have, to date, received no response. But according to Professor Opadeyi in a brief solicited comment yesterday, he has not received any such request. In fact he reluctantly informed that such requests are not even brought to his attention but rather are sent to the Personnel Manager. Negotiations between the unions and a team from the University started some two years ago for improved salaries and working conditions but were marred by a number of arising issues. Dr Ifill disclosed during the recent press conference that “the University had

UGSSA Vice President, Dr. Mellissa Ifill experienced tremendous turmoil, particularly at the Government’s level, where we had no Council for a period.” The functioning of the negotiating team is dependent on the installation of the Council since its members are required to comprise the negotiating team. Because of a change in the Council there was need for new members to be appointed to the negotiating team; a situation

that was compounded by the appointment of the Vice Chancellor last year, according to Dr Ifill. However, she noted that “we gave him enough and sufficient time to become au fait with all of the issues and we had one meeting of the negotiating team with this new VC.” The meeting, since the appointment of Professor Opadeyi, was held in March last and, Dr Ifill disclosed that a proposal was made then that a meeting be held at least once per month. That meeting in March was however dubbed the “first and the last” by the UGSSA Vice President. But according to her, the unions are prepared to take another route to retaliate the evident neglect that currently obtains. “We have been attempting to negotiate with the University for improved salaries and working conditions since January of 2012 and we have exercised enormous patience. We have been extremely understanding of the circumstances within which

this University finds itself...” said Dr Ifill, who insisted that “we are no longer prepared to do so.” Moreover, she disclosed that “we are serving notice that we will take whatever steps are necessary once a meeting isn’t convened urgently and progress isn’t made during that meeting and subsequent meetings; we will take the necessary industrial action on the campus,” Dr Ifill categorically asserted. At the same time the unions are advocating for a halt in the hiring of senior administrative staff who, according to UGSSA President, Dr Pat Francis, “are coming in at very high prices...” According to her, “most of them are paid more than $500,000 per month. I cannot see what value they will add that we, 600 and something academic and non-academic staff, cannot do.” She insisted that such a move can only be seen as counterproductive since “you cannot make the system more top heavy and expect (continued on page 21)

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 27, 2014

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Donald Ramotar: The Nigam moment versus the historic moment Donald Ramotar is inching his way to three years of his Presidency. In all the countries in the world, editors, analysts, commentators, scholars would take a look at the achievements or barren record of a Prime Minister or President after two years of incumbency. In a country like Guyana where the economics of poverty, the sociology of race, the backwardness of technology and the politics of zero sum games make for a troubled and volatile nation, a new governmental leader is always on the radar of every

member of the population. The expectations are pyrotechnically high. As he creeps towards his three year, what is incandescently glowing about the presidency of Donald Ramotar? Let us avoid a monosyllabic answer and look at his record. In the area of freedoms and liberties, Ramotar has no points ahead of Bharrat Jagdeo, perhaps the most failed leader of a government in the English speaking West Indies. But there are differences in styles between Jagdeo and Ramotar. Here is a glaring moment

that highlights the banality of Ramotar as a leader as juxtaposed with Jagdeo. When asked at a press conference what has happened to the report into financial wrongdoing at NCN, Mr. Ramotar stumbled so badly that in the world arena, the press and the rest of society would have hounded him out of office. Here are the words of a man that for this columnist indicate the tragic emptiness of leadership. Ramotar told the journalist; “I wasn’t prepared for that question.” No leader knows what a reporter will ask him/her but your mind has to be expansive, and you must be thinking on your feet all the time because that it what leadership is all about, nothing more, nothing less. If Putin is answering

questions on the Ukraine and you ask him about global warming, he would never say, “I wasn’t prepared for that.” If Obama is fielding question on Russia and you ask him about the Hilary Clinton 2012 presidential bid, he would never say, “I wasn’t prepared for such a question.” He would answer it. Answering questions that are unanticipated is a reflex process that leaders know they must possess. But more than this, a leader can respond to any unanticipated question using the route of commonsense. Here is what any other Head would have told that reporter. It goes something like this; “I haven’t taken a look at it as yet though I should have done so. But pressing engagements have stood in the way. I have it on mind and will do so shortly.” The most the journalist can follow up with is to ask what does “shortly” mean. I am absolutely convinced that Jagdeo would not have

tripped up like that. Here is another example that makes you want to believe that Ramotar is without leadership qualities. In August last year, Mr. Ramotar in delivering the General Secretary’s report to his party’s congress in Port Mourant, confessed that the Jagdeo libel suit against me and this newspaper cost the PPP some votes. In April 2011, Ramotar became the PPP’s presidential candidate. In June of that year, the libel hearing started with just a preliminary round. Ramotar had all the time in the world to stop the process without incurring any type of substantial cost because the case had not started in a major way. My lawyer Nigel Hughes was generous to the PPP Government by informing Anil Nandlall that the case would be so explosive and that he should reflect on if he wants to go ahead. Only when the damage was done to the PPP election campaign, that Ramotar knew

Frederick Kissoon the libel was a mistake. Is that a thinking leader? Ramotar raised his voice during his keynote address at the 59th anniversary of UG and appealed to the opposition and critics of his government not to let opposing ideas paralyze the nation, and that each idea should be tried. To date, Ramotar has ignored every conceivable idea of the opposition and sections of civil society that are critical. For me, Ramotar enjoys the presidency as long as there are more Nigam moments as when he sang on stage with the Indian singer, when he had an embrace with the American R&B performer, John Legend, when he meets the crowds at cricket or the opening of a Hindu temple or Muslim mosque. He will live out his presidency.

Tuesday May 27, 2014

Kaieteur News

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As diplomacy becomes more complex…

Non-interference within a country’s boundaries should be paramount - says Foreign Minister Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett has outlined that diplomacy today has become far more complex and rapid in the digital era and adverted to the principles which continue to guide the Community such as “non-interference and the unhindered right of development within a country’s boundaries.” She made these pronouncements at the recently held Seventeenth Meeting of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) which took place in Georgetown, Guyana and of which she was the chairperson. Rodrigues-Birkett welcomed Foreign Ministers

and Heads of Delegations and expressed appreciation on behalf of her Colleagues to the Immediate Past Chair of the Council, the Foreign Minister of Trinidad and Tobago. She underlined the importance of the process of introspection currently taking place within the Community to strengthen its pillars through the drafting of the Strategic Plan. “In this regard the COFCOR needed to be ready to respond to the prevailing changes in the hemispheric and international environment and to reposition itself accordingly.” The Foreign Minister underlined several of the key foreign policy issues that would be engaging the

attention of the Community. These included “climate change; the unacceptable characterization of CARICOM Member States as Middle Income Countries and the resulting ‘graduation’ and ‘differentiation’ from concessionary financing which did not take into account their diverse vulnerabilities.” The Foreign Affairs Minister further outlined issues with “the foreign trade agenda and the need to improve trade relations which constituted a major foreign policy plank in view of the required efforts to resolve the problems of reciprocity between unequal partners, stringent conditionalities and market access obstacles including visa requirements

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett for Community business persons; joint or shared diplomatic representation;

the reform processes at the United Nations with regard to the Security Council and at the OAS [Organization of American States] where a new strategic vision was being envisioned; and preparations for coming engagements with Third States and for upcoming major international conferences.” The Chairperson said that foreign policy coordination did not mean unanimity as there would always be instances of divergence of interests and views but outlined however that “the Community must maximize its joint voice by subduing individual interests to the extent possible.” Rodrigues-Birkett said that the Caribbean Community has led on a

Abducted nine-day-old ...

Surveillance cameras capture image of kidnapper Relatives and concerned residents of Number 60 Village, Corentyne and surrounding communities have intensified efforts to find the infant who was abducted from the Port Mourant Market, last Saturday. The infant’s mother, Sandra Mc Lean, told this newspaper, yesterday that surveillance footage of the woman, who had allegedly kidnapped her baby, has since surfaced. “We went back to the market and found a store that she went into, and the owners got a video footage of her. Like she didn’t realize that the store had a camera and the owners pull up the footage. “Everybody we know and tell on de look out. Family friends and even business people helping .We don’t know what to do but keep looking; we searching all de time,” Mc Lean stated yesterday She explained that local law enforcement officials have also intensified their investigations. “We report de matter at Whim Police station. Police say that they mek contact with Suriname Police, so that everyone on the lookout but now we hearing different story now because people at Albion say that the woman might not be from Suriname after all,” the young mother added On Saturday afternoon a woman, whom Mc Lean met at the Skeldon Public Hospital several days before, reportedly disappeared with her infant son. The woman,

the baby; she said that she has to pay him and she put $5000 under his blanket and she lifted him. We were talking and I gave her my address and so. She spent like an hour and then she left.” The woman subsequently returned. “I

The abducted infant whom she identified as Bibi Khan was reportedly based in Suriname. After she had delivered a healthy baby boy, Mc Lean said that she met Khan on May 16, last, at the hospital. “I was experiencing labour pains and this woman come in and say that she looking for someone name Sandra. I didn’t say anything because my name is also Sandra, plus I was in pain so my relatives talked to her. She was kinda short and medium size and she is Indian and she was wearing a Kemar,” the grieving mother recalled. Mc Lean said that the woman returned after she had delivered her son. “She asked to play with

didn’t see her back until she come to my house. She come and played with the baby and she gave him another $5000, and she asked if she can buy stuff for him and I said ‘no problem’ because we were having a nine-day celebration for the

baby.” “When we were in Skeldon, she went into a store and then she come out back and say that my baby brings luck to her because she got through with whatever business she had to do. She (continued on page 21)

number of issues with a common voice “such as the negotiations for the Arms Trade Treaty and NonCommunicable Diseases” and commended the role played by CARICOM diplomatic representatives in this regard. She also underscored the importance of taking another look at joint and/or shared diplomatic representation and at Community Relations. As well as the “the need to deepen relations among and between Member States and to take advantage of each other ’s strengths was underscored.”

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St. Ignatius Secondary, Mackenzie High among 21 schools now offering Portuguese The language barrier between Guyana and its largest South American neighbour, Brazil, will soon be reduced as the Ministry of Education is intensifying efforts to have Portuguese taught in schools across the country. To enhance the capacities of teachers in the education system, the Ministry launched the “Training for Teachers of Portuguese” programme. On Friday last, at Theatre Guild, Kingston, the Ministry revealed its elaborate plan to present Portuguese as a viable modern language option in schools across Guyana. The Ministry, through the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) will be creating a teacher training module to better equip student teachers desirous of pursuing training in teaching Portuguese. According to Deputy Chief Education Officer (Development), Doodmattie Singh, the Ministry introduced Portuguese as a new modern language on the

Section of the gathering at the Theatre Guild national curriculum, when it initially launched the Portuguese curriculum last year in six schools: Queens College, The Bishops’ High, Saint Stanislaus College, Saint Roses High, Saint Joseph High and North

IDB gives US$500,000 to coconut farmers Recently, the Inter Development Bank (IDB) donated US$500,000 to a registered group of cash crop farmers within the Marlborough, Lower Pomeroon area. The money is to help them to find markets for bottled coconut water. Coconut water is in demand, a spokesperson for the group has indicated. A portion of the grant would be invested in purchasing three excavators to help farmers transport their products from the back dam. The group would be partnering with the Virgin Caribbean Group by providing the coconuts to the partnering group. The latter would take on the onus of

extracting the water from the coconuts and bottling the product for export to an intended company in Trinidad. Only recently, a section of cash crop farmers from communities in the Pomeroon River, Supenaam and Mainstay, was encouraged by members of The Guyana Agricultural Producers Association (GAPA) to transform themselves into groups in order to gain recognition, which would further enable efficient marketing of their produce. Farmers, especially in the Pomeroon River, have cited flooding, which resulted from poor drainage, as one of their main challenges.

Georgetown Secondary. She emphasized that an additional 15 schools will now offer Portuguese when the new school year begins in 2014. They are as follows: Brickdam, Christ Church, Zeeburg, West Demerara, Annandale, Bygeval, Madhia, St. Ignatius, Hope Rosignol and Diamond secondary

schools as well as Central High, President’s College and Mackenzie High. Singh explained that this new “Training for Teachers of Portuguese” programme forms part of the teacher professional development programme of the Ministry that will facilitate the training of teachers from the schools

identified above in the delivery of the Portuguese curriculum. CPCE will expand its teacher training in Portuguese as part of its modern language teacher training programme, she added. Meanwhile, Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, who delivered the feature address, expressed her satisfaction that after nine months, the Ministry can be embarking on a programme of this magnitude that further establishes Portuguese in schools across the country. “We at the Ministry of Education are very conscious that we have a huge responsibility to make sure we meet the needs of Guyana today, as well as prepare our young people to meet the needs of Guyana tomorrow,” the Minister said. She underscored the importance of Guyanese children being able to access and learn a foreign language, particularly Spanish and/or Portuguese, which significantly helps in communicating and integrating with neighbouring countries.

Because the world is now a relatively smaller place as a result of technology, more and more businesses are working closely with companies in other countries. Knowing more than one language enhances opportunities in all areas of life. The Minister was also very pleased to announce that the launch of this programme is in line with the commitment that the ruling PPP/C Government made during its Election 2011 campaign, in which its manifesto irrefutably states that within the next five years it will work at “Strengthening foreign language teaching both in the school system, including at the primary school level and for the public at large, with special emphasis on Spanish and Portuguese, reflecting our country’s continental prospects.” The Minister further indicated that very soon the Ministry will be reaching out to members of the public through the Learning Channel with specialized programmes to teach Portuguese in very creative and innovative ways.

US$99 billion made annually from commercial sexual exploitation - ILO - half of the people in forced labour are women Forced labour in the private economy generates US$ 150 billion in illegal profits per year, about three times more than previously estimated, while US$99 billion came from commercial sexual exploitation, according to a new report from the International Labour Organization (ILO). The ILO report, Profits and Poverty: The Economics of Forced Labour, said that another US$51 billion resulted from forced economic exploitation, including domestic work, agriculture and other economic activities. “This new report takes our understanding of trafficking, forced labour and modern slavery to a new level,” said ILO DirectorGeneral Guy Ryder. “Forced labour is bad for business and development and especially f o r i t s victims. Our new report adds new urgency to our efforts to eradicate this fundamentally evil, but hugely profitable practice as soon as possible.” The new figure is based

on ILO data published in 2012 that estimated the number of people in forced labour, trafficking and modern slavery at 21 million. Significantly, the new estimate indicates that more than half of the people in forced labour are women and girls, primarily in commercial sexual exploitation and domestic work, while men and boys were primarily in forced economic exploitation in agriculture, construction, and mining. The breakdown of profits generated by forced economic exploitation is as follows: US$ 34 billion in construction, manufacturing, mining and utilities; US$ 9 billion in agriculture, including forestry and fishing; US$8 billion saved by private households by not paying or underpaying domestic workers held in forced labour. The report highlights income shocks and poverty as the main economic factors that push individuals into forced labour. Other factors contributing to risk and

vulnerability include lack of education, illiteracy, gender and migration. “While progress is being made in reducing stateimposed forced labour, we must now focus on the socioeconomic factors that make people vulnerable to forced labour in the private sector,” said Beate Andrees, head of the ILO’s Special Action Programme to Combat Forced Labour. Andrees ca l l e d f o r a series of measures aimed at reducing vulnerability to forced labour including: Bolstering social protection

floors to prevent poor households from abusive lending or indenture in the event of sudden income shocks; Investing in education and skills training to fortify job opportunities for vulnerable workers; Promoting a rights-based approach to migration to prevent irregular employment and abuse of migrant workers; and Supporting the organization of workers, including in sectors and industries vulnerable to forced labour. “If we want to make a significant change in the lives of the 21 million men, women and children in forced labour, we need to take concrete and immediate action,” the ILO Director-General said. “That means working with governments to strengthen law, policy and enforcement, with employers to strengthen their due diligence against forced labour, including in their supply chains, and with trade unions to represent and empower those at risk.”

Tuesday May 27, 2014

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CDB hosts three-day AFC MP cries victimization stakeholder forum

Participants at the forum Representatives from almost every borrowing member country of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) will be participating in a stakeholders’ forum to come up with better working strategies, over the next three days. The event started, yesterday, at the Ramada, Princess Hotel, East Bank Demerara. In an overview of what the event will entail, Kenneth Harvey, CTCS Network Coordinator, said that over the years, the role of the CDB and the CTCS has changed, hence the need for new strategies. Harvey said that in the past, CTCS was able to cater to the needs of a few countries. However, with the CTCS now having 19 countries, there arises the need for new strategies to better cater for the needs of individual countries. “We always do our best if it means resource persons, training and other support. That worked well when we were servicing a few countries, but we now have 19 borrowing members our latest being Suriname. We needed more staffing. The bank is evolving and has

encouraged us to deal with other issues, core to the Bank’s agenda.” Harvey said that it is to this end that CTCS was forced to come up with a different approach, and that is to deal with the member countries in a strategic way. “At the beginning of each year the lead cooperating institution in each country will assemble its people and identify some core activities that they can do under the CTCS programme in that given year or in a few years that will really impact on MSME in their respective countries.” This, Harvey said, will shorten planning time, and hasten implementation time for projects. “When we sit and prepare a country paper up to the tune of US$150,000, we can address all the issues at one go. That way, once the document has been approved we can implement.” Harvey, however, urged the participants to be cognisant of the fact that the CDB does its work thoroughly and carefully scrutinises each project that is presented to it. “So we are saying let’s go with that approach, in going towards that we see this is a

Doctors complete ER ... From page 19 critical care in the shortest amount of time.” He noted, too, that improvement has also been noted at the N/A Hospital because resident doctors are going there to do rotation from time to time. The ER at the New Amsterdam Hospital, he said, has been restructured over the past year, making it more patient- friendly, more spacious, “and at the same time, bringing more beds…and also, we've done triage, so patients are sorted out properly, so instead of waiting their turn, they are actually triaged

according to their medical condition.” As it is, the focus is to continue these initiatives at the national referral [tertiary] hospitals (GT & N/A), “We've also done Diamond [Hospital] and Linden…The idea is to start at the main hospitals; go to the regional hospitals; address those main centres, and then from there, once we have more specialists, go down the line and address the peripheral hospitals.” Bux thanked the two foreign teams for delivering these training to the local cadre of doctors.

golden opportunity to engage the local cooperating institution to be more involved in identifying and developing the activities in tune with what is the strategic focus of the government of the day for MSME development.” More importantly, Harvey said is to incorporate into their plans, what Governments want the MSME to contribute to their national economy. “You the locals will be called upon to be part and parcel of the preparation process. You will be required to identify what areas in the MSME sector requires urgent and significant attention and what would make tangible contribution to the development of the country.” The CTCS Network is operated by the Private Sector Development Division of the CDB in cooperation with Regional and National Institutions, laboratories, industrial enterprises and private consultants. The CTCS Network also helps to solve planning and production problems quickly by providing Caribbean expertise at an affordable cost. The CTCS Network has been assisting users in funding solutions to practical problems encountered in Production enterprises, as well as in the Hotel Industry. Assistance is also provided for project implementation, training, computerization and in the development of business, technical and marketing plans. Countries that are a part of the CTCS Network include Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Cayman Islands, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Island. (GINA)

Alliance For Change (AFC) Member of Parliament (MP), Valerie Garrido-Lowe, is saying that she and her colleague, Eula Marcello, “are being singled out for unfair and embarrassing treatment, I am sure, meant to put us in our places.” Lowe’s view is that this is their penalty for not approving the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs capital budget this year. Lowe said that this became clear when her name was scratched off a list of people allowed to board a chartered flight to Kato for a workshop. The Member of Parliament recalled that on May 10, last, on an invitation from Regional Chairman, Mark Crawford, she travelled to Mahdia via bus with the understanding that she would have been attending a two-day RDC meeting at Kato. Lowe was supposed t o b o a r d t h e R D C ’s Chartered aircraft on May 11 from Mahdia to Kato. She said, “When I arrived at Mahdia on Saturday afternoon an Air Services flight representative informed me that my name was scratched off the list by the REO, Ronald Harsaywak, and only the seven Regional Councillors will be traveling to Kato. He further explained that they will be taking up a drum of fuel and 250 pounds of fresh meat so they did not have space.” Lowe said that since she knew that three councilors were unable to make the trip, she advised the Air Services representative likewise and argued that she could now board the plane since space was no longer a problem. “The Air Services flight representative was pleased

to tell me that he had strict instructions from the REO not to allow anyone else on the plane,” said Lowe. The following day, she went to the airstrip to inquire further from another Air Services representative, if she could board the plane but he too had strict instructions not to let anyone else board that flight. According to Lowe, it is known that aircraft do not hesitate to carry passengers from the various hinterland locations. “In fact, I would think t h a t t h e y h a v e a d u t y, provided they have the space, to assist anyone who is sick, or who needs to travel to another village since transportation is a major problem in the hinterland. “I was not a patient but I am a Parliamentarian and as an indigenous Parliamentarian I have a special interest in the welfare of my fellow indigenous brothers and sisters.” She said that the issues that are of great concern to the people of the Pakaraimas would have been highlighted at the Region Eight RDC since the Toshaos from all, or almost all of the villages of Region Eight, would have attended this meeting. The MP said, “I would have heard, first hand, about these issues and would have been able to make the n e c e s sary representations to the relevant Ministers and also in Parliament on their behalf. Instead, I was obviously discriminated against because I am an Alliance For Change Parliamentarian; I feel victimized and consider the whole situation one of political sabotage.” Lowe now calls on the Minister of Local

AFC’s Valerie Garrido-Lowe Government, Norman Whittaker and Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, to look into this matter with the aim of putting a stop to such “crude and disrespectful” acts towards indigenous MPs of the Opposition. Lowe said that her occupying a vacant seat on the flight to Kato would not have cost the Region a dollar more since it was a chartered flight, paid for by the Region Eight RDC. She noted that apparently, as indigenous Parliamentarians, she and Marcello were supposed to vote for everything on the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs budget whether it made sense or not. She s a i d t h a t i f t h a t position was taken they would have been party to millions of dollars being spent on a “dubious programme” that does nothing to empower the Amerind ian youth. “Personally, I refuse to be party to wasteful spending of hard-earned Guyanese monies.” Marcello too had lamented that she was recently treated disrespectfully by a welfare officer at the Amerindian Hostel.

Surveillance cameras capture ... From page 11 said that she has to buy something in a Chinese store but “like after she see the cameras she didn’t go. But I didn’t really suspect anything. Afterward, we went to the Port Mourant Market and she said that she wanted fish. She tell me that the baby will be safe with her outside, while I go and buy the fish in the market. But when I come out back she was gone.” A report was made to the local law enforcement officers but the search proved futile. The child’s mother said that she still in state of shock. She said that her baby was not even registered. “We de naming him

Avinash. He father ain’t even get to see he but I know me child if I see him anywhere. He get a slight mark on he knee like a birthmark, and I could never forget that woman. “I will always remember her face,” the mother said as

she noted that she still has hope of finding her son. Anyone with information regarding the missing infant is asked to contact the nearest police station or contact relatives on telephone numbers, 338-1297 6602651 or 693 9484.

Stalled negotiations at UG prompt unions to threaten ... From page 9 production. Which company runs like that? None! We the academic staff members are demanding that we be paid better,” insisted a passionate Dr Francis. “While we are eking out a living they are bringing on people to pay them fat salaries. Where are we going

with that and we are cashstrapped?” questioned the UGSSA President even as she pointed out that “lots of people haven’t been paid, part time haven’t been paid. How are you bringing on more people at the higher level? We are totally against it, it don’t make sense!”

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

Kaieteur News

FOR SALE/RENT American Pool tables – Call: 277-0578

Spare for washing machine, microwaves,fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call: 225-9032, 647-2943 PVC Ceiling Panels, PVC Mouldings, Medallions. American Standard!!! – Call:614-8564, 680-0862 Top Quality imported pups for sale, 1 golden retriever, 1 malamute, 2 German Shepherds and 3 Rottweilers. For more information call: 615-5343 Pure Rottweiler pups, parents are imported pedigree dogs Call: 2642870 or 672-6402 after 6pm 665-9140 or 639-1431 Dell computers with 17" Leds -$59,000, laptops from -$64,000, Blackberry 8310 $9,000 @Futuretech – Call: 231-2206; 644-6760 Live/pluck chicken call: 6504421, 220-9203 Dressed and mill cut lumber: Kabukalli, Silverballi, Greenheart, Purpleheart etc – Call: 688-6579 American made Werner Aluminum Ladders; 25 feet -$35,000, 17 feet, multipurpose - $28,000 – Call: 609-7257, 602-5794 One business property @ Lot 1 Durban & Smyth Street, One house & Land @ 119 Pike Street Kitty – Phone:231-1966

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 One barber shop / salon with 5 stations at David & Queen Streets Kitty – Call Alana: 646-0268 Secured Concrete bond 87’X32’, Public Road Mc Doom, next to Police Outpost suitable for storage/factory etc- Tel: 233-0570 G.T TOOL RENTALS SPECIAL: ALL SAWS CIRCLE, CHOP, TABLE, WET, $20,000 PER WK CALL: 675-0767 OR 627-5098 1 Business bottom flat, bridge to road, approximately 1000 SQFT Call: 628-1342/ 2266071 Fully furnished apartment as low as - $4,000 per day @ Secrete Villa Albouystown, Georgetown branch or call: 223-0994 All prices have been reduced as low as - $4,000 per day @ Secret Villa, Land-Of- Canaan or Call: 266-5243-5

Modern Doors Automation Systems: Garage Doors in multiple designs & sizes @ Lot 43 Croal &Alexander Street Stabroek, Call: 658-2990 Toyota 4 Runner, great Condition - Call: 223-9719/ 227-1028

PROPERTY FOR SALE

VACANCY

SALON

VEHICLE FOR SALE

Property for sale.Call:627-5416

# 1 Plant Shop 18-28yrs, sales experience, Mon-Sat, healthy, hard working, pleasant – Tel: 648-1821

Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad. Call: 660-5257, 647-1773

1-2001 Toyota Rav4, Late PMM series in showroom condition. Fully loaded, fully powered, great offerContact: 621-6363

Prime Business. Established Business, Three storey building 220 South Road Lacytown Georgetown – Tele: 227-1042, 601-3369. Serious callers only! 1-2storey wooden & concrete 5-bedroom house; upper & lower flat 4 apartments located@ Shell Road, kitty - $38.9M - Tel: 642-7898 Lot 81 Lamaha Street. No Agent! - Call: 673-5882 Prime Business property, huge land space, 200’X50', next to Police Outpost @ Mc Doom 233-0570 1-2storey wooden & Concrete house with 5 bedrooms upper flat & lower flat 4 apartments located@ Shell Road, kitty - $38.9M Tel:642-7898

EDUCATIONAL Balloon Decorating Classes – 31st May 2014 – Call: 2253133 or 613-7513 for more information and to register.

Dolly’s Car Rental - Call: 225-7126/ 226-3693 dollys autorental@yahoo.com/ www.dolly sautorental.com ProgressiveAuto Rental: Cars & SUV for rental- $4,000 & up per day- Call: 643-5122, 628-2284 ,Email:pro_ autorental @yahoo.com

LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel:644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 B & C Driving School: Lot 5 Hadfield Street Lodge- call: 225-0150, 229-7258, 680-6826

IAE - Camp Street Registration has commenced Forms 1-5 (full-time school); day & evening, adult CXC classes - Call: 683-5742, 2230604

Drivers, visiting & security officers. Apply within NM Security Solutions Inc, Lot “O” Ruimveldt Georgetown – Tel: 225-5773/76 24 Hour East Coast Guyoil needs night pump attendants, salesgirl, office assistant & handyman- Call: 670-8893/684-2838 Accounts clerk with 4 Subjects CXC, 2 yrs experienced, knowledge of Peachtree WBD area. E-m a i l : sase_shewnarain@hotmail.com.

WANTED Pacific Development Inc – Looking to buy empty lands in all areas. Contact 227-8274, 223-6035 One shop attendant & one handy boy to work in the interior Call: 681-6044

One furnished upper flat 3 bedroom, @ Pike St Kitty, long & short term - Tel: 6448015

One Honest counter clerk, 3yrs experienced selling Japanese Spare Parts . Contact Ray’s Motor Spares & Auto Sales: 231-7839 (working hours) 3 female general workers between ages 22-35yrs, 1 male general worker between ages 18-30 – Contact: 225-6337

One handy boy, live in accommodation and free meals Call: 628-1756 or 228-5655

Toyota Avensis 2003, PRR series 18" Rims, leather interior, HID, A/C, Alarm, TV, $3.250M, immaculate condition! - Tel:609-7257, 602-5974 Unregistered Spacio, TV Flair Kit, Noah mini buses BSS series – Call: 697-0294

Person to draw cones from machine and sell.Good Rates Tel:227-1830

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.–CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. COOL TECH : Repairs Services & Installation of all types if homes appliances: Air Condition & Refrigeration units - Tel: 233-2008; 675-4959 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer Call Omar:2310655,683-8734 Repairs, sales & spares air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool, call: 225-9032, 647-2943 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call Sabita: 225-6496, 662-6045 Building and need exceptional quality service at an affordable price – Please contact Rica on 223-2695/ 661-6073 Luxury building construction, general contractors, general building construction concrete, wood, ceiling, roof, etc – Call: 592-6954062, email:anojaisari@yahoo.com

VEHICLE FOR SALE ALYEA AUTO SALE: SPACIO 2004, DARK INTERIOR, FOG, PRICE TO GO. LOT 40 CROAL STREET G/TOWN – TEL:622-3823/ 231-5789

MASSAGE

One Toyota RAV4 automatic model UA-ACA 21W (Rav4) Plate PPP series - Call: 2276903, Cell: 676-6109 Price: $3.8M

The Gent’s Spa: Be pampered by our beautiful masseuses, H-Hands, wet bliss. Won’t You Let Me? - Contact: 657-5979

One Toyota Land cruiser Prado, PMM Series Call: 2250188, 223-7500, Mon-Fri 8:154:15pm, Sat - 8:15-1:15PM

Live-in experienced caregiver Call: 664-8150

2006 Toyota Tacoma fully loaded - $3.5M - Tel:6857659, 622-0445 2-1RZ mini bus BLL & BJJ diesel, good working condition – Call: 628-1342 or 226-6071

Live out domestic babysitter and live in babysitter –Call: 225-0188, 223-7500 (Monday to Saturday) (8:15am-4:15pm) One domestic worker, one domestic cook @ East Coast Demerara - Contact: 6115398, 621-8478

VEHICLE FOR SALE

Earn a certificate in cosmetology, wig designs or nails alone, limited spaces – Call Abby: 619-7603, 666-5241

Chef/ Baheir & Kitchen assistant to work & live in Buckhall Essequibo River – Contact: 592-690-4860

CAR RENTAL

Foundation/ summer classes: Form 1, 2 &3 – JulyAugust. Mathematics, English, Spanish, Music, I.T, etc - Call Mr. Lee: 227-7850 Just completed Level 6? Need transition/foundation classes – Forms 1 & 2 – Call Mr. Lee: 227-7850

Gardener 18-35yrs, hardworking, punctual, team player no experience & no education needed - Call: 6462108

Vacancy exist for one personal home tutor – Please contact: 676-2812

TO LET 1 - Four bedrooms house with all modern conveniences, semi-furnished - $300,000 monthly, Happy Acres – Tel: 231-7839 (working hours)

1-65-210 DAF engine in excellent condition, foreign used -Call: 628-1756, 228-5655

Tuesday May 27, 2014

Cheapest Hilux – 3RZ engine, VVTI and 1RZ stick gear buses, super GL buses & Noah buses – Call: 616-7635 STAR CARS AUTO SALE: Premio, Spacio, Allion, IST, Feilder, Altezza, new Raum, Axela, Carina 212 – Call: 679-3140, 615-1199 First Class Auto: Allion, Premio, Spacio, IST, 212, Fielder, Raum, Allex, Runx, Bluebird, Axela - Tel:6098188, 638-3045 Toyota Marino excellent condition, automatic, AC, CD, Mags -$750,000 - Tel: 619-1047

Tuesday May 27, 2014

Kaieteur News

Father son murder trial continues in Berbice High Court The murder trial of the father and son who are on trial for the murder of a Corentyne farmer at Hogstye, Corentyne back in 2011 is continuing in the Berbice High Court. On trial are Khrishna called ‘John’, 50, of Alness and Letter Kenny, Corentyne, and his son, Romell Krishna, 24, of Alness Corentyne Berbice. They are appearing before Justice Brassington Reynolds and a mixed jury for murdering Shawn Fraser, between July 27 and July 28, 2011, at Hogstye Back dam, Corentyne, Berbice. The men are being represented by Attorneys at Law Kim Kyte John and Murseline Bacchus. The state is being represented by Prosecutor Attorney at Law Renita Singh. The opening address had revealed that on July 27, Shawn Fraser and his brother Audwyn Bindah, called ‘Audwyn Fraser’ of 11 Adventure Farm Corentyne who are cattle and rice farmers, had left their home to attend to their rice field at the Hogstye back dam. On their way they saw three men Krishna, called ‘John’, his son Romell Krishna and one Bobo plowing with a tractor on a cross dam.

After the brothers had completed their work they were on their way out when they were attacked and shot by the three men. Audwyn was rushed to the Port Mourant and then New Amsterdam Hospital. Shawn Fraser’s body was picked up and taken to the Port Mourant Hospital where he was pronounced dead. A post mortem examination was later conducted on the body of Shawn Fraser at the New Amsterdam hospital by Dr. Nehaul Singh, which gave the cause of death as perforated lung due to penetrating wounds to chest and compound fracture of the skull. Testifying so far was Raquel Fraser who related to the court that she had identified the body of her brother during the post mortem examination and Kim Providence related to the court a series of events that took place during the day including from the time the brothers left home to when she learnt of the incident. Also taking the witness stand were police Detectives Corporal Andrew Ward and Detective Sergeant Gilbert Ross who both testified to the roles they played during the investigation.

Letters... Where your views make the news

Sham ‘solidarity’ benefits... From page 4 acting globally.” I was reminded then, of another famous quote which says “Charity begins at home.” It’s lovely that the WPO, religious ‘leaders’, random Guyanese people, and politicians are concerned about the missing Nigerian girls and it is indeed great to raise awareness of issues outside of Guyana and to show solidarity with other sufferers. I too hope that the Nigerian girls are soon reunited with their families. However, I must say, that it is appalling that these same individuals remain silent on issues affecting Guyanese youth. The fact is that the correct saying is “Think globally; act locally.” The fact is that we here in Guyana can do noth-

ing about the situation in Nigeria - no matter how many petitions are signed, vigils held etc. What we can impact are the circumstances of the youth in our own communities at home here in Guyana youth who too often suffer violence and injustice at the hands of the police and other adults who abuse their power. Further, it is beyond appalling that Mr. Rohee can purport to be more knowledgeable about an international matter than the local Guyanese situation, especially an issue that falls under his ministerial portfolio and for which he holds ultimate responsibility. That Mr. Rohee is able to find time to acquaint himself with the case of Boko Haram but not about Alex Griffith’s situation, a

young Guyanese citizen, is inexcusable and shows clearly the cockeyed priorities of the Minister. We have had enough of sham ‘solidarity’ and political grandstanding which helps absolutely no one. As the great Bob Marley said ‘you can fool some people some of the time, but you can’t fool all the people all the time’. Bring back justice and accountability to Guyana now! Alex Griffith, Colwyn Harding, Dameon Belgrave, Shaquille Grant, and all the other boys and girls of Guyana who have died and suffered at the hands of state officials and authority figures deserve as much justice and attention as the Nigerian schoolgirls! Sherlina Nageer

The Caribbean Development... From page 4 actually done rather than approve the Borrowers’ questionable claims for reimbursements without proper certification, which often results in overpayments. Completion deadlines are never critically reviewed. Because of this laxity, many of the CDB-funded projects in Guyana have a history of being poorly executed with large time and cost overruns. I have worked at the CDB as a Project Officer and served under two distinguished Presidents, executing diverse projects in many of its member countries. During my period of employment, projects were analyzed for their economic, financial and engineering viability. Contractors and consultants were reviewed for their competence, track record and financial ca-

pability. Performance bonds had to be part of all contracts, with penalties applied for failure to comply where applicable. During project execution, Project and other Officers of the Bank reviewed the work and time progress of projects before authorizing disbursements for work done. If there were delays and cost overruns, borrowers had to submit proposals acceptable to the CDB to get the project back on track. Therefore most of the CDB projects at that time were successfully executed and completed, and over the years they have contributed in no small way to the economic development of its members. The evidence is there to show. The CDB is an important institution and plays a critical role in the social and eco-

nomic development of its members, but it cannot make loans for projects and turn its back and hope that the terms and conditions of its loans will be executed as per their agreements with the respective Governments. After all, member governments know they own the CDB, and as such they feel they could bend the lending rules to fit their own agenda, with impunity. Therefore, unless the CDB monitors its loans with greater scrutiny for compliance, it will be difficult for the expected economic development from its loans to be achieved, leaving its poor member countries without any noticeable benefit from the loans made, except burdening them with a greater debt to service. Charles Sohan

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 27, 2014

TUTORIAL HIGH SCHOOL IS 75 YEARS OLD ...

THE CASTELLO COMMEMORATIVE FUND The ethos of the Castello brothers, Austin, Cosmo and Joseph, was an education at any cost. Hundreds of students from the pre-1976 era had the privilege of attaining a quality secondary education at this private school free of cost, just because of the brothers’ generosity. Two dollars per term in the 1940s was a lot of money for many poor working class parents. The fee rose to $30 in 1960. Consider the circumstances extant in colonial British Guiana, then factor in three or four children from one household and the picture that emerges records a family in dire financial straits but with children of exceptional academic ability. There were quite a few families in this condition, workers who were simply unable to pay ‘school fees’ after the first term. In true Castello fashion, the children were allowed to continue their classes, some quite unaware of the fact that their parents had communicated their hardships to Austin and his likely response was, “OK. You will pay when you can. Your child (ren) just can’t stop going to school”. His generosity was not confined to this cluster. Scholarships were awarded to deserving children “left, right and center”, to children from rural areas from as far away as Mahaicony and Hopetown, West Berbice, from Wales to Uitvlugt on the West Coast Demerara, and to outstanding students living in Georgetown who had excelled at the Junior Cambridge examination, or in sports. Tutorial was among the highest ranking second tier secondary schools of the time, of course after the tier one top five led by Queen’s College. Many Tutorialites, from 1944 when the first intake

Fifth Street, Alberttown, did not feature on the priority list. The Castello brothers, now at ages 68 (Austin) and 65 (Joseph) although beyond the newly established retirement age of 55, stayed on at the school. Joseph was appointed Head Master three years before he retired officially in 1981/82. For obvious reasons, scholarships were no more.

Dr. Barton Scotland graduated, to 1976 when the school was usurped under the umbrella of the Ministry of Education, went on to play very significant roles in the development of Guyana, in public and private capacities. Some became Ministers of Government and Parliamentarians (the late Kenneth Denny and Mr. Malcolm Parris); University of Guyana lecturers (Michael Parris, Gregory Blyden); others function in diplomatic circles (Honorary Consul General of the Kingdom of Norway, Desmond Sears and formerly of Japan, Hans Barrow); in public sector institutions (Dr. Barton Scotland and Fritz McClean), and the media (Mark Watson, Nazima Raghubir, Esan Griffith). Many have migrated and joined religious orders (Monsignor Paul Jervis) while others acquired Doctoral degrees in a wide assortment of disciplines. This former high flying educational institution lost its status for a plethora of reasons and it even came close to being shut down by the government of the 1970’s. Education was made free in 1972 so it was left to the Ministry to effect repairs to school buildings. Tutorial High located on

THE CASTELLO COMMEMORATIVE FUND & AWARD Just over a decade ago, the Alumni Association of four chapters (London, Toronto, Guyana, New York) floated the idea of reviving the Castello legacy of providing scholarships and academic awards to the graduates who have won places at tertiary institutions in and outside of Guyana. The plans foundered a bit and lay dormant for a few years, but some members were quietly researching the legal ramifications, identifying possible sources of funding for continuous replenishment, and crafting constitutional requirements for its management. They then decided that the sources of funding would include contributions from the Alumni Chapters in Guyana and overseas, revenue from fund raising events, from gifts donated by past students, resources provided by the Education Ministry, and from the proceeds of the net revenues realized by each Alumni Chapter hosting a Triennial Reunion. The school’s 74th Anniversary rolled around on September 1, 2013, and during the month-long commemorative activities, the Alumni Association launched the Castello Commemorative Award and Fund at a ceremony that featured high ranking officials in the Education Ministry.

In his feature address, President of the Guyana Chapter, Desmond Sears, explained that the Castello Commemorative Fund is a Tertiary Education resource that would be used to sponsor one Tutorial graduate every year who has performed creditably at any level of the Caribbean Council of Examinations (CXC) and gained admission to the University of Guyana, the University of the West Indies or any other institution offering tertiary or vocational study. The fund will also be used to supply educational facilities for the school, and should serve as a catalyst for students to aim for greater achievements. The Guyana chapter is managing the fund in tandem with representatives of the Student and Parent-Teacher bodies, overseen by the Ministry of Education. The very first recipient of the CCF four-year Scholarship award was 17year-old Cassandra Bovell. She had just gained admission to the University of Guyana to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. She has the distinction of being the first Tutorial CXC Candidate to achieve a ‘double award distinction’ in Agriculture Science, and scored Grades I and 2 in English Language, Human and Social Biology, Mathematics, Social Studies and Information Technology. That was not all she wrote – literally. Cassandra had been simultaneously enrolled in the Morgan Learning Center from the third form level and she performed creditably at CXC English Literature and Integrated Science (2013). The school and Alumni tangibly rewarded her ground-breaking achievement in Agricultural Science with monetary gifts

Cassandra receives the Castello Commemorative Award from School Board Chairman Gregory Blyden and trophies donated by the New York and Toronto Chapters. This humble, selfeffacing young woman still believes that there was much more she could have done with her examinations to earn distinctions in all the subjects she wrote. Though currently enrolled in the Biology degree programme, she is holding on to her dream of studying Medicine and one day becoming a specialist in Osteopathy. Fifth formers at Tutorial are currently writing the CXC 2014 examinations. From the results due in August, this year’s recipient of the Castello Commemorative Award would be identified and bestowed during the September celebrations marking the school’s 75th Anniversary. In the meantime, the Guyana Chapter is preparing to host hundreds of alumni located all over the world for the Twelfth Triennial Reunion scheduled for July 27 to August 3, 2014. Diverse activities have been planned, and heading the schedule is a Courtesy Call on H.E. President Donald Ramotar. Visiting and home-based

alumni will tour the Kaieteur Falls and interior eco-resorts, participate in the annual Emancipation celebrations and an Athletics/Fun Day. The highlights will be a grand Gala Dinner and Ball and an awards presentation event at which several past and present teachers and other outstanding personalities would be recognized. Past students could contact any member of the Guyana chapter for more information and to make reservations. The Tutorial High Alumni are as determined as ever to restore the high level of achievement, academic and otherwise, that Tutorial used to be known for. At home and abroad they have been raising funds for many years and transmitting those funds and materials to improve the fortunes of their Alma Mater. The Guyana chapter is filled with former students of exemplary character and high conviction, people who are just as determined to return Tutorial to its glory days, those decades between 1939 and 1976 when the magnanimity of the Castello brothers, Austin and Joseph, knew no bounds.

Guyana to continue working with ... Granger touts govt. of national ... From page 20 important contribution to our economic progress. The President said too that over the years Guyana has also seen the massive development in the construction sector, another area for growth. “Clearly we have laid and are continuing to lay a solid foundation for greater and faster progress in the future… To do so, we need to have improved infrastructure.” The President used the occasion to once again point out that the main impediment to faster economic growth is the lack of cheap energy. “We need this to provide

for a strong industrial and processing sector. We need it to add value to much of what we produce today…We need it too, to ensure that our domestic consumers have cheap and reliable power in their homes. Cheaper energy he said is vitally needed so that Guyana can reduce the importation of fossil fuel and to be able to save the nine billion dollars each year which is used to subsidise electricity charges. “I have every confidence that cheap energy will stimulate rapid economic growth and facilitate job creations in every sector….That

is why it was such a national tragedy that our National Assembly did not unanimously support the Amaila Falls Hydro Project last year.” The President noted that it took four years of negotiations to have reached that stage in 2013 and all of that has been lost. “But we are determined to get this project; already we have recommenced the search and opportunities to bring hydropower to our country…We will also pursue other forms of cheap, reliable and renewable (green) energy in the future… These will include wind, solar and co-generation.”

From page 18 independence countries in Africa and Asia. Two PPP stalwarts later expressed respect and admiration for the Opposition Leader. Brig Granger explained that he believed in inclusionary democracy in which all parties and groups are involved in the decision making process and governance so as to avoid antagonism and conflict. He believed in partnerships and that was why he had entered into alliances with the WPA, GAP, JFAP and others to create APNU. He, in 2013, had encouraged the start of the Pro Guyana Movement

in which all groups can become involved in solving Guyana's divisions. He said that no one is required to change his political party, his social organization, or his ethnic identity. Guyanese can remain supporters of the PNC, PPP, WPA, AFC, GAP, ADCA, or ROAR, one can be an African, Indian, Amerindian rights activist, Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and still be part of the Pro Guyana Movement. “We need to sit at the table and voice our concerns, to engage in dialogue, and forge consensus,” he said. Brig Granger acknowledged the great harm that was

done to Guyana and Guyanese during the early 1960s and vowed that he would never let Guyana slide into racial violence again. In recognition of the deep desire of all Guyanese to live in peace and harmony, and to make all our pains worthwhile, Granger said that by the time Guyana marks its 50th independence anniversary, “we should have a unity government.” Brig Granger said that if he were to be elected President in 2016 he would form a Government of National Unity and that he would invite the PPP to join.

Tuesday May 27, 2014

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 27, 2014

Imam recounts 55-day Venezuelan horror - Taunted as a Taliban

Imam Hamza Mohammed talking to Guardian Media at his home in Chaguanas on May 22. PHOTO: MICHAEL BRUCE Spending hours in a “stink” morgue, being called “Taliban”, thinking of getting shot in the head by officers — memories of Venezuela that have left Hamza Mohammed, Imam of the Montrose mosque, still trembling today. In an interview at his Chaguanas home last week, Mohammed, who recently returned home after his 55day detention in Venezuela, recounted his experience to the T&T Guardian. Although he was not physically harmed, Mohammed said the fright and dishonour he experienced left deep emotional scars which were taking time to heal. “After court one day, in the evening, they took us to a place-a morgue. From the time we entered that building, the place was so stink...dead bodies were there. Just being there and smelling those things was really messed up,” Mohammed said. “They gave us these clothes to put on like what doctors wear at the hospital

(disposable hospital gowns) and spent about two hours on each person doing detailed measurements of different parts of your body.” In a country under a state of emergency and unable to understand the language, Mohammed was left to think the worst on many occasions. In recalling one of his trips to the court, he said: “I was in a van alone with four other officers who had their guns on their lap. I didn’t know where we were going. All kinds of things ran through my mind. I started to pray hoping that these people weren’t carrying me somewhere to put bullets in my head.” A respected man in his community, Mohammed remembered the countless times he cried due to humiliation. “Just going into the big truck to court, the sound of the siren and the attention it drew from the people outside, and the feeling that everybody out there thinks we’re criminals made me cry

all the way.” At one of their three court appearances, Mohammed and the other two imams were greeted with loud jeers as they made their way to the holding cell. “We were walking down the aisle between the jail cells and everybody started shaking the gates, shouting ‘Taliban, Taliban, Taliban,’ and I just bent my head. That was really embarrassing.” “To know that in Trinidad I’m a man looking after the needs of people as an imam and then I had to go through this. It affected me really badly, emotionally.” A father of six, Mohammed said the most painful part of his time in Venezuela-a stay which supposed to last two days but turned into two monthswas being away from his family. “I am a family man and all I could have thought about was my family. They are everything to me.” But there were a few memories that brought smiles for Mohammed. “We would play tennis with the other prisoners and they used to call me the tennis champ. The Venezuelan prisoners shared snacks with us and one of them drew a sketch of me.” On exiting the prison, the Imam’s honour was restored, as all the prisoners lined up and clapped. “To see the love and respect they had for us made it sad to leave.” Asked how he was coping now, he replied: “It’s difficult. I thought it would have been easier but moments of the day and night take your thoughts back. I’m trying to come out of this mental state but it’s really hard...It’s like part of me.” Mohammed expressed concern for the Trinidadians still detained in Venezuela, saying he hoped that they were freed soon and would be able experience the same feeling as he did on returning home. **** Flashback: • March 19: Imams Hamza Mohammed, Sheik Hassan Hamid, and Abdul Salaam along with 19 other Trinidadian Muslims were held by the Venezuelan intelligence agency SEBIN on allegations of terrorism. • March 28: Six women and eight children returned home after being released by the courts. • May 13: The three imams were released from prison and returned home on May 18.

Tuesday May 27, 2014

Kaieteur News

Battle at Donetsk airport; new Ukraine leader says no talks with ‘terrorists A Ukrainian helicopter Mi-24 gunship fires its cannons against rebels at the main terminal building of Donetsk international airport. (Credit: Reuters/Yannis Behrakis)

(Reuters) - Ukraine launched air strikes and a paratrooper assault against pro-Russian rebels who seized an airport yesterday, as its newly elected leader rejected any talks with “terrorists” and said a robust military campaign in the east should be able to put down a separatist revolt in “a matter of hours”. Ukrainians rallied overwhelmingly in Sunday’s election behind Petro Poroshenko, a political veteran and billionaire owner of chocolate factories, hoping the burly 48-year-old can rescue the nation from the brink of bankruptcy, civil war and dismemberment by its former Soviet masters in the Kremlin. Yesterday’s rapid military response to separatists who seized the airport in Donetsk was a defiant answer to Moscow, which said it was ready for dialogue with Poroshenko but demanded he first scale back the armed forces’ campaign in the east. Even as the fighting was getting under way, Poroshenko held a news conference in Kiev where he said the government’s military offensive needed to be “quicker and more effective”. “The anti-terrorist operation should not last two or three months. It should last for a matter of hours,” he said. As for the rebel fighters: “They want to preserve a bandit state which is held in place by force of arms,” he said. “These are simply bandits. Nobody in any civilized state will hold negotiations with terrorists.” Gunfire and explosions could be heard as a warplane flew over Donetsk’s Sergei Prokofiev International Airport, hours after truckloads of armed rebel fighters arrived and seized a terminal. Thick black smoke rose from within the perimeter.

The government said its jets had strafed the area with warning shots and then struck a location where rebels were concentrated, scattering the fighters before paratroops were flown in to face them. Eight hours after it began, fighting was continuing after nightfall and had spread to residential neighborhoods nearby. “Fighting continues in the airport, with the use of planes and helicopters,” said separatist leader Denis Pushilin. “It’s a full-blown military standoff. I have no information on casualties. Our groups have destroyed one helicopter of the enemy.” At one point, three Ukrainian Mi-24 helicopter gunships fired rockets and cannon at the concrete and glass terminal. More plumes of black smoke shot up into the air as the helicopters fired at targets on the runway. The gunships threw out decoy flares as fighters shot at them from the ground. The airport serves a city of 1 million people that the rebels have proclaimed capital of an independent “people’s republic”, and where they succeeded in blocking all voting in Sunday’s election. Their attempt to seize the airport may have been intended to prevent Poroshenko from travelling there: he has said his first trip in office would be to visit the restive east. Russia’s foreign ministry urged Kiev to halt what it called “military operations against its own people” and said it wanted the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe to investigate clashes with proRussian separatists in Donetsk. Pushilin called for “any available help from the Russian people”. FIRM MANDATE Preliminary results, with

80 percent of the vote counted, gave Poroshenko 54.1 percent of the vote towering over a field of 21 candidates with enough support to avert a run-off. His closest challenger, former premier Yulia Tymoshenko, had just 13.1 percent and made clear she would concede. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier told reporters in Sarajevo he was glad no run-off would be required and that people would have to respect the new president’s legitimacy. He also acknowledged Poroshenko had his work cut out to heal Ukraine’s regional divide. “The doors are open to him, but there is no political paradise awaiting,” he said. “He will have to bridge a gap between the country’s east and west, and I sincerely hope that he will be able to do so.” Poroshenko’s most urgent task is finding a modus vivendi with the giant neighbor that has seemed poised to carve Ukraine up since mass protests in Kiev toppled a pro-Russian president in February. Sorting out a dispute over the supply of Russian gas to Ukraine will also be high on the agenda. Poroshenko said Moscow’s “argument about legitimacy has disappeared” as he had also topped the polls among those who were able to cast ballots in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. “I hope Russia will support efforts to tackle the situation in the east,” Poroshenko said. He said he planned to meet Russian officials in the first half of June. But he showed no sign of heeding Moscow’s demand that he call off the operation against rebels in the east.

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EUROSKEPTIC ELECTION surge gives EU a headache (Reuters) - Stunning victories in European Parliament elections by nationalist, Euroskeptic parties from France and Britain left the European Union licking its wounds yesterday and facing a giant policy dilemma. Across the continent, anti-establishment parties of the far right and hard left more than doubled their representation, harnessing a mood of anger with Brussels over austerity, mass unemployment and immigration. While the centerright and center-left will continue to control more than half of the 751 seats in the EU legislature, they will face an unprecedented challenge from noisy insurgents determined to stop business as usual in the 28-nation bloc. French Prime Minister Manuel Valls called the breakthrough by Marine Le Pen’s anti-immigration, antieuro National Front, which topped a national vote for the first time and pushed his Socialists into third place, a political “earthquake”. He sought to counter her immediately by offering more tax cuts to spur an economy which is flatlining. Across the Channel, another tremor raised new doubts about Britain’s longterm future in the EU. Nigel Farage’s UK Independence Party, which advocates immediate withdrawal, defeated the opposition Labour party and Prime Minister David Cameron’s Conservatives. The anti-EU vote was amplified in many countries by a low turnout of just 43.1 percent, but the proEuropean center ground held firm in Germany, the EU’s biggest member state with the largest number of seats, as well as Italy and Spain. France is one of the EU’s founder members and the

weakness of President Francois Hollande leaves German Chancellor Angela Merkel without a strong partner for the next leg of integration which economists say is vital to underpin the euro currency but which leaves voters cold. “It will be more about pursuing policies that resonate with the people,” Merkel said after her conservative bloc emerged as the strongest party grouping in Germany. “They are less interested in the issue of whether there should be treaty change or not, but rather whether Europe is making a difference in their own lives,” she added, noting high jobless rates in some countries had damaged trust in the EU. A German-led drive to cut EU states’ debts in response to the economic crisis which engulfed the bloc in 2010 is blamed by many for deepening recessions and delaying recovery. Merkel called the far right and populist advances “remarkable and regrettable” and said France needed to focus on competitiveness, jobs and economic growth to overcome voters’ disenchantment - a message echoed by French analysts. “The legitimacy of Europe is weakened, the legitimacy of France in Europe is weakened further,” said Dominique Moisi of the French Institute of International Relations. “To function, Europe needs a strong balance between France and Germany. But France is moving the way of Italy or Greece in economic terms and moving the way of Britain in its relationship with Europe.” NO EARLYREFERENDUM In Britain, Cameron rebuffed UKIP leader Nigel Farage’s call for an early referendum on an EU exit, sticking to his plan to

renegotiate membership terms if he is re-elected next year, and put the result to an in/out plebiscite in 2017. However, some analysts said UKIP’s surge may force the prime minister to toughen his stance on Europe and could scare more proEuropean voters in Scotland into opting to leave Britain in a September referendum. Center-left Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi bucked the trend of anti-EU, anti-incumbent votes, scoring a stunning 41 percent to beat populist Beppe Grillo’s anti-establishment 5Star Movement by a wide margin, with disgraced expremier Silvio Berlusconi’s center-right Forza Italia trailing a weak third. Renzi vowed to use his mandate to press for an easing of the EU’s budgetary straitjacket to allow more public investment in growth and jobs, posing a policy challenge for Merkel, the guardian of fiscal orthodoxy. “I consider this a vote of extraordinary hope for a country that has all the conditions to be able to change, and that can invite Europe to change,” Renzi told reporters. The Democratic Party leader said he would serve out his term until 2018 to press ahead with economic reforms rather than using his popularity to call an early general election. A French official said Hollande would back Renzi’s call for more pro-growth policies and tell EU leaders who meet on Tuesday evening that Europe had reached “the alarm level”. With France in a malaise, Renzi’s hold on the rotating six-month EU presidency in the second half of the year gives him an opportunity to become a major player in the bloc if he can find common cause with Merkel.

People watch a board displaying provisional results of the European Parliament election at the EU Parliament in Brussels (Credit: Reuters/François Lenoir)

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Tuesday May 27, 2014

Tuesday May 27, 2014

Kaieteur News

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Serge Ibaka stars in return from injury, Spurs’ offense sputters as Thunder take Game 3 Oklahoma City (AFP) Serge Ibaka returned from injury and sparked the Oklahoma City Thunder to a much-needed 106-97 NBA playoff victory over the San Antonio Spurs. With the victory the Thunder climbed back into the best-of-seven Western Conference finals after the Spurs won the first two games by an average of 26 points. The Thunder will try to level the series when they host game four today. The winners of the series will face either two-time defending NBA champions Miami or Indiana for the NBA crown. Russell Westbrook scored 26 points with seven assists and eight rebounds for the Thunder, who had 25 points and 10 rebounds from NBA Most Valuable Player Kevin Durant. But the injection of energy from Ibaka, who missed the first two games of the series with a left calf injury

that was expected to sideline him for the rest of the playoffs, was key. Two days after his injury status was upgraded to dayto-day, Ibaka was inserted into the starting lineup and hit his first five shots from the floor. He provided a strong defensive presence, with Spurs coach Gregg Popovich saying he was “everywhere.” “Serge is always great in the paint, he blocks shots, he changes shots. He did a fine job,” Popovich said. Spain’s Ibaka finished with 15 points, seven rebounds and four blocked shots in just under 30 minutes on the floor. Manu Ginobili scored 23 points and Tim Duncan added 16 points and eight rebounds for the Spurs. However, Spurs point guard Tony Parker endured a tough night, connecting on just four of his 13 attempts from the field and finishing with nine points.

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka (9) gets up to block a shot by San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan (21)

From page 30 the game, keep them working harder, and have them striving to be getting into the senior team.” NEW APPROACH This will now require some adjustments from the players and their approach to their careers. “What we’re saying now is that you need to come to work five days a week being a cricketer, not having jobs on the side and only turning up when there is a camp,” Cameron said. “Players obviously need to go to their place of work, so in the case of the Windward Islands, we need to determine which island will be the centre, and all the players will have to move there, because they need to turn up for work. They need to be monitored because we are not just talking about batting and bowling stats, we’re talking about physical fitness as well, and those things will have to

be monitored all the way through.” Hinds believes that under the new paradigm, players will have to work harder, but, in return, will have greater financial security. “We are appreciative that that US$360,000 will go into the pool of six to get the cricket professionalised so that our youngsters and our cricketers can understand what it means to be a professional from the territorial level. Then when they go to represent the West Indies on the international scene, they’re not learning on the job, they are consummate professionals and will execute accordingly,” he said. “As a professional, you will be expected to put in the hours. You will be having guidelines and training schedules to follow and, as such, you will be remunerated accordingly so that you can look after yourself and your family.” (The Jamaica Gleaner)

“We hope and pray that your mission will succeed,” Rajoub said of Blatter’s efforts. Otherwise, the Palestine Football Association “will have no other option but to ask the FIFA Congress to ask for sanctions against the Israeli Football Association,” he said. Rajoub did not specify what kind of sanctions he would seek, but in the past has said Israel should be

suspended from FIFA. Blatter told Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas that “we shall find a solution” but that “it will not be so easy to deal on the other side,” meaning Israel. Blatter pledged his support, telling a beaming Abbas that “your people but also your football association is not alone in the world.” The FIFA chief said he is a “self-declared ambassador of the Palestine people.”

Palestinians seek FIFA...

Tuesday May 27, 2014 ARIES (MAR. 21APRIL 20) You should be able to get involved in an interesting proposition today. Travel in pursuit of pleasure and knowledge.

LIBRA(SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) Put your emotional energy into passion not anxiety You will have to be careful not to let infatuations with colleagues get out of hand.

TAURUS (APR. 21MAY 21) Help children with important projects. You might get behind if you spend too much time debating senseless issues.

SCORPIO (OCT. 24 NOV. 22) Changes at home will be necessary. You will learn easily if you put forth an effort. Recognition will be yours if you meet your deadline.

GEMINI (MAY 22JUNE 21) Remember that no one can walk through your door if there's someone standing in the doorway. Avoid letting family get involved in your personal life. The battle continues.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) Put something away in case of an emergency. You will want to complain about the injustice that is going on, New relationships will surface through work related events.

CANCER (JUNE 22JULY 22) Be careful of disclosing personal information. You will do well in social settings, and new and interesting individuals may spark a romantic curiosity.

CAPRICORN (DEC 22.JAN. 20) Investments concerning your residence will be profitable. Travel will promote new romantic connections. Don't back down but don't ignite the situation.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) Be cautious who you deal with financially. Opportunities to meet new lovers will evolve through your interaction with groups or fundraising functions.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 FEB. 19) You need to get out and challenge yourself. It's time to reevaluate your own motives and make changes to yourself first. You may have more to do with children today; keep an open mind.

VIRGO (AUG. 23 SEPT. 23) Don't be too eager to spend money that you really don't have. You may end up being blamed if anything goes wrong. Remain calm and you'll shine.

President Cameron...

PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) You may not be able to help, but your support will be favorable. You can make favorable changes in your home environment.

From page 27 legislative arm of FIFA, the governing body of world football with 209 member associations. “I think at the Congress we should try to be in the sporting spirit and not in the spirit of punishment,” Blatter said. The Congress will be held June 10-11 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, just before the start of the World Cup. An Israeli government official and a spokeswoman for the Israel Football Association declined comment Monday, saying they did not want to speak ahead of the BlatterNetanyahu meeting. Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza and east Jerusalem — areas the Palestinians want for a state — in the 1967 war. Over the years, Israel has imposed travel restrictions that make it increasingly difficult for Palestinians to move between or in and out of those territories. Israel cites concerns about possible attacks by Palestinian militants as the main reason for restrictions on movement. Critics say those restrictions often amount to collective punishment, particularly in Gaza, where borders have been virtually sealed by Israel and Egypt in response to a takeover there by the Islamic militant Hamas. Rajoub said Monday that Gaza players are particularly affected by restrictions on movement, but that there are also delays in getting Israeli entry permits for foreign delegations and visitors.

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Tuesday May 27, 2014

World Relays: Kenya set two new Former Microsoft chief records, GB win silver and bronze ‘in talks’ over LA Clippers Kenya’s winning female relay team

Kenya’s men and women both claimed new world records in the 4x1500m at the IAAF World Relays in the Bahamas. The men’s time of 14 minutes 22.22 seconds bettered by 14secs a 2009 Kenyan record, while the women beat the previous mark by over half a minute. Yohan Blake led Jamaica to victory in the 4x100m relay, with Great Britain taking the bronze medal. GB’s women picked up a silver in the 4x200m in a new national record, but the women’s 4x400m team disappointed. The quartet finished seventh at the inaugural championships and 400m

world champion Christine Ohuruogu, who came into the team for the final, admitted: “That was my first opener and it wasn’t a very good run. “There is nothing to worry about. It was a hard race and we’ve had a good few days of work together.” GB’s men’s 4x400m fared better in finishing fourth, with Nigel Levine running the third leg with only one shoe. Britain’s first medal at the event in Nassau came when the 4x200m women’s team of Desiree Henry, Anyika Onuora, Bianca Williams and Asha Philip clocked a time of 1:29.61. “We just wanted to put a marker down for

Commonwealths and Europeans. The competition is going to be hot to get in the team,” said Onuora. Shortly after the women’s triumph, the men’s 4x100m team of Richard Kilty, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, James Ellington and Danny Talbot finished third in 38.19 seconds. The Kenya men’s record-breaking team included Asbel Kiprop, the 1500m world champion. Despite the absence of six-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt through injury, Jamaica men’s sprint quartet - led by Blake - broke a 20year-old 4x200m world record on Saturday. (BBCsport)

Can KKR stop Kings XI’s batsmen... From page 32 between these two sides, Kings XI’s batting had looked unstoppable, having scored 206, 193 (both of these in successful chases) and 193 in their first three matches. And then, sent in to bat in Abu Dhabi, they struggled to 132 for nine, with Sunil Narine and Piyush Chawla taking three wickets each. Knight Riders, however, were yet to sort out their batting, and they collapsed to 109 all out. By the time the sides faced each other again, Knight Riders’ top order was beginning to find some form. Set a target of 150, after a Kings XI innings in which no one apart from Virender Sehwag made any serious contribution, Knight Riders won by nine wickets, after Robin Uthappa and Gautam Gambhir put on a third

straight 50-plus opening partnership. WATCH OUT FOR... Since the IPL moved back to India, Glenn Maxwell’s form has tailed off. Seventeen batsmen have outscored him in the India leg, and even though his numbers here - 233 runs at an average of 29.12 and a strike rate of 180.62 look ordinary only in comparison to the mindblowing stats he racked up in the UAE - 300 runs at 60.00 and a strike rate of over 200 - they are propped up to a large extent by one innings, a 38-ball 90 against Chennai Super Kings in Ranchi. Against Knight Riders, meanwhile, his scores so far are 15 and 14. Of the 26 balls he faced across those two innings, 24 were bowled by Sunil Narine, Morne Morkel and Jacques Kallis, so Knight

Riders have clearly gone in with some sort of plan against him. Morkel’s bounce is a particularly obvious weapon Knight Riders will look to use against Maxwell, particularly after his last innings against Delhi Daredevils, in which he looked uncomfortable against the rising ball. Since moving up to open the batting, Robin Uthappa has made nine successive 40plus scores and climbed to the top of the tournament’s run charts. He has done this largely by means of easy-onthe-eye drives, with a remodelled technique built around a big front-foot stride and a batswing that comes down from almost behind his body. It’s a technique built for playing in the V, but - if he weren’t seeing the ball so well - it could, theoretically, put him in unsound positions against the short ball as well as cause him to play around his front pad while on-driving and flicking off his pads, bringing lbw into play. Mitchell Johnson is one bowler who could potentially exploit both these (admittedly hypothetical) technical issues. (ESPNcricinfo)

Shelly Sterling (centre), wife of Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling, at an NBA game at Oracle Arena. (AFP Photo/Thearon W. Henderson) Los Angeles (AFP) - The wife of disgraced Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling reportedly met billionaire former Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer about selling the club. Gossip website TMZ first reported the meeting between Shelly Sterling and Ballmer, who fought in vain to keep the NBA’s SuperSonics in Seattle. Sports network ESPN on Sunday confirmed the meeting, which immediately sparked speculation that Ballmer might want to move the club to Seattle, which has been without an NBA club since the SuperSonics moved to Oklahoma City and became the Thunder in 2008. US media reported Friday that Donald Sterling had

surrendered control of the Clippers to his estranged wife, who is in talks with the league to sell the club, whose value has been estimated at about $600 million. The NBA says it is on target to conduct a June 3 hearing before league owners at which Donald Sterling could be stripped of the Clippers after racist remarks that sparked a firestorm when they became public last month. Donald Sterling has already been banned for life from all league activities, but Shelly Sterling hasn’t, so ceding control of the club to her was a bid to free her to play a role in negotiating a sale. However, the NBA previously has said that while it has no ban on Shelly Sterling, her ownership stake

would be terminated if her husband is tossed out as the Clippers owner under terms of the franchise agreement Donald Sterling signed when he bought the club for $12 million in 1981. Ballmer, who has expressed an interest in the past in buying an NBA franchise that he could relocate to Seattle, declined to confirm to The Wall Street Journal this month that he would pursue the Clippers if they are sold. “I have nothing definitive to say,” Ballmer told the newspaper. “Am I right on top of what’s going on there? Absolutely I am. I love basketball, and I’d love to participate at some point in the NBA. If the opportunity is outside of Seattle, so be it.

Pistorius attends Pretoria hospital for mental tests

Reuters - South African Olympic and Paralympic sprinter Oscar Pistorius checked in as a day patient to Pretoria’s Weskoppies psychiatric hospital yesterday for the first day of a month of mental tests ordered by the judge overseeing his murder trial. The 27-year-old track star, who faces life in prison if convicted of murdering his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on Valentine’s Day last year, sped past a scrum of waiting television cameras in a car with tinted windows. A heavy police contingent kept reporters from entering the grounds of the hospital, one of South Africa’s foremost mental institutions. Pistorius has denied murdering Steenkamp, saying he shot four times at a toilet door in his luxury Pretoria home to protect himself from what he thought was an intruder lurking behind it. However, a defense forensic psychologist testified that Pistorius also had an anxiety disorder, leading judge Thokozile Masipa to send him for a mental evaluation to determine whether or not the condition affected his

Oscar Pistorius

criminal responsibility. The trial, which started in early March, has drawn huge domestic and international attention. Before the shooting Pistorius, whose lower legs were amputated as a baby, was one of the biggest names in world athletics. He won a clutch of Paralympic medals, running on carbon-fiber prosthetic ‘blades’, and reached the semi-finals of the 400m at the London Olympics in 2012.

Tuesday May 27, 2014

Kaieteur News

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Women’s WCQ commences Funny man Djokovic in the C’bbean slithers, Nadal cruises

at damp French Open

Antigua & Barbuda’s Kitanya Hughes shoots past USVI’s Emily Cota during their CFU Women’s Caribbean Group One match at the ARG in Antigua on Friday. (Photo: Thaddeus Price) Kingston, Jamaica – Qualifying in the Caribbean for the 2015 FIFA World Cup kicked off on Friday last in high-scoring fashion. Three of the five firstround groups started the process of securing berths in the 2014 CONCACAF Women’s Championship through the inaugural Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Women’s Caribbean Cup. The evening produced five winners in the five contested games with Bermuda and St. Kitts & Nevis each producing 5-0 triumphs. Here’s a recap of the evening’s action: GROUP 1 (at St. John’s, Antigua) Host Antigua & Barbuda got off to a winning start, defeating the U.S. Virgin Islands, 1-0, in the second match of a doubleheader at the Antigua Recreation Grounds. The lone goal came in the 49th minute, when midfielder Kitanya Hughes pushed home a left-footed effort from just inside the area, giving the supportive crowd reason to celebrate. Though the first half generated much in the way of effort, there was little to show in terms of solid scoring opportunities. The visitor showed promise in the latter stages of the game with left winger Jessica Adams creating problems for the Antigua defense. The quick and skillful Adams, on at least three separate occasions,

managed to elude her marker and send probing crosses into the penalty area. The home team thwarted USVI’s bid for an equalizer and ended the evening in a tie for first place with St. St. Vincent & the Grenadines, which topped Aruba, 2-0, in the opener. Kendice Franklyn (10’, 38’) recorded both goals in a winning effort. GROUP 2 (at Bayamon, Puerto Rico) Martinique ignited its Caribbean campaign with a 3-1 win over Barbados. GROUP 3 (at Providenciales, Turk & Caicos Islands) In the opener, Phoenetia Browne netted a hat-trick to propel St Kitts & Nevis past the Cayman Islands, 5-0. Browne (12’, 26’, 90’) struck for the first two goals and the last in an impressive performance for Sugar City ladies. Kerisha Powell (39’) and Chelsey Harris (81’) also found the target to complete the victory. Shuntae Todd (14’, 17’) and Cheyra Bell (27’, 64’) scored two goals each as Bermuda outdistanced a brave Turks & Caicos Islands team that was playing its first-ever international fixture at home. Aaliyah Nolan (54th) also found the nets for the Bermudians.

Palestinians seek FIFA sanctions against Israel Ramallah, West Bank (AP) - The head of Palestinian football said yesterday he will call for sanctions against the Israel Football Association at the annual FIFA Congress next month unless Israel lifts travel restrictions on some of his players and foreign visitors. Jibril Rajoub, head of the Palestine Football Association, called Israel the “bully of the neighborhood,” adding that “Palestinians believe bullying should not be accepted by FIFA.” Rajoub spoke in a joint news conference with visiting FIFA President Sepp Blatter, who is to raise the Palestinian complaints today in a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Blatter said he hopes a solution can be found ahead of the Congress, the top (Continued on page 29)

Reuters - Novak Djokovic played the funny man as he slithered to a 6-1 6-2 6-4 win over Portugal’s Joao Sousa on a rain-interrupted second day at the French Open but defending champion Rafa Nadal slipped into his customary role of cold-eyed assassin on clay. Nadal, bidding for his ninth title at Roland Garros, hunted down Robby Ginepri during a first set that ended 6-0 in the Spaniard’s favor. The American greeted his capture of the first game of the second set with a clenched fist of mock celebration but defeat, while somewhat delayed, was inevitable as he folded 6-0 63 6-0. Dark horse Kei Nishikori was the first top 10 seed in the men’s or women’s singles to miss out on the second round, the ninth seed from Japan losing 7-6 (4) 6-1 6-2 to Slovakia’s Martin Klizan. The start of play was delayed for about one hour, and Maria Sharapova managed to finish off fellow Russian Ksenia Pervak for the loss of only three games on the Philippe Chatrier show court before rain returned to stop play for another hour. Djokovic was leading 4-1 at the time and, on the resumption, broke Sousa to love. He then recovered from 0-40 on his own serve to wrap up the first set with two crushing first serves. Rain began to fall again with the Serb, who is strongly fancied to end Nadal’s hold on the title, preparing to serve for the set at 5-2. Djokovic sat, looking slightly ridiculous, in a white hooded waterproof jacket as the umpire decided whether to take the players off court. Djokovic made a series of faces at the camera before inviting a ball boy to share his seat, and a soft drink. They chatted under a large umbrella to the amusement of the

Novak Djokovic crowd. When play resumed after five minutes, they shook hands politely before resuming their previous roles. Djokovic, who beat Nadal in the Italian Open final in Rome this month, also criticized the state of the court after several days of rain in the French capital. During his match, the players’ first serves kicked up sprays of wet clay. Nadal, playing on the Court Suzanne Lenglen, was held in check by world No.279 Ginepri for several games in the second set but his relentless power and attritional accuracy from the baseline proved too much for the wildcard. The last few games were played in weak sunshine but the forecast is for further periods of rain during the first week of the second grand slam of the year. The warmup on Philippe Chatrier featured seventh seed and 2012 champion Sharapova in fetching pink and Pervak in what looked like army camouflage trousers and jacket. Winner of the Stuttgart and Madrid claycourt titles, Sharapova went on the attack early, moving her left-handed compatriot around the court to break at the first opportunity. But a wild volley at the net, with the whole court open, allowed Pervak to break back before the four-times grand slam champion emerged with

a 4-1 lead and took the set in 27 minutes. Sharapova broke early in the second set and won 6-1 6-2 to show she had recovered from her thrashing by Ana Ivanovic in the third round in Rome. Slovakian ninth seed Dominika Cibulkova, the Australian Open runner-up, beat France’s Virginie Razzano 7-5 6-0. There were also wins for seeds Sabine Lisicki, last year’s losing Wimbledon finalist, Flavia Pennetta, the winner at Indian Wells this year, and Australia’s Sam Stosur who thrashed Monica Puig of Puerto Rico 6-1 6-1 despite playing with stitches in her leg following an accident in the gym last week. Nishikori, coached by 1989 Roland Garros champion Michael Chang and tipped as one of the dangermen in the draw after an impressive claycourt season, crumbled to defeat against Klizan after serving for the first set at 5-3. The injury-prone Japanese said he had not been able to practice enough after retiring in the Madrid Open final where he had been leading Nadal. Miloslav Mecir, the son of the 1988 Olympic gold medalist of the same name, was knocked out by Tobias Kamke of Germany 7-5 7-6(2) 7-6(1) in his first match in a grand slam, after coming through the qualifiers.

BABA name U19 team for GABF Inter Association tourney Sepp Blatter, President of FIFA, left, gives a gift with the FIFA logo to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during a meeting at the presidential headquarters on the first day of his regional tour to Jordan.

The Berbice Amateur Basketball Association (BABA) has released the names of its Under-19 team that will bounce against their Linden counterparts in the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) InterAssociation Series on Saturday next in the Bauxite Mining town. Neil Wills will Captain the

team that also includes Shamar Simon, Sherland Gillis, Ramone Fogenay, Tafawa Daly, Michael King, Osafo Profit, Rayon Emmanuel, Travis Sutton and Shakeel Garnett. Willon Cameron has been named Coach. Saturday’s action will also see Linden Senior’s coming up against Berbice with the

female matchup between Georgetown and Linden, all the action will be at the Mackenzie Sports Club Hard Court from 19:00hrs. According to the GABF, this is the first time in Guyana’s history that Berbice will be playing in Linden at the Inter-Association level under their umbrella.

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Tuesday May 27, 2014

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition...

Melanie ‘A’ new champions of the East Coast; Melanie ‘B’ finishes third

Action in the final that featured eventual winners Melanie ‘A’ and BV ‘B’ at Haslington Market Square. A capacity crowd including fans who trekked from Georgetown was on hand to witness a riveting conclusion to the East Coast Zone of the Banks DIHsponsored Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition played, at the Haslington Market Square. The large turnout clearly emphasised that the outdoor futsal version, especially under the Guinness brand remains a growing phenomenon embraced by fans. National striker Dwight Peters appearing for Melanie ‘A’ set the championship

game alight as early as the 2nd minute of play when he pivoted skillfully from an inbound pass and fired a bulletlike shot past two defenders into the goal. It caused euphoric celebrations among the team’s supporters, but a stunning surprise to their opponents BV ‘B’ and their band of supporters. Riding on the wave of momentum, Melanie ‘A’ continued to create opportunities to score, but equally impressive was the defending of BV ‘B’ as they held on dearly and did not concede another goal

when the break came. After the resumption, BV ‘B’ came alive and threatened to level the proceedings, but just as they had done to deny Melanie ‘A’ in the first period, the tables were turned as the latter demonstrated their own proficiency in defence. As the time ticked away supporters of both teams became vociferous, one urging protection of the lead, while the other shouted words of advice as their team searched for the equaliser. However, when the final whistle sounded Melanie ‘A’ had managed to protect their

slim lead and in effect earned $300,000 for their efforts. BV ‘B’ did not leave empty-handed and walked away with $150,000. In the third place playoff, Melanie ‘B’ gave the village a positive start to the night when they held off a stubborn Victoria Church Yard United 1-0. Rondell Assanah’s 14th minute strike was enough to ensure the win and $100,000, while Church Yard United pocketed $50,000. Speaking after the presentation ceremony, Brand Manager of Guinness Lee Baptiste said he was extremely encouraged by the level of play and the turnout of fans during all three nights of competition, adding that the Company will continue to host the event. Baptiste disclosed that the national finals to select Guyana’s representative at the Caribbean Tournament will be staged over two days, beginning Saturday and end the following day at a venue that will be confirmed sometime today. IN THE NIGHT’S FULL RESULTS: Third Place Melanie ‘B’ - 1 vs Victoria Church Yard United-0: Rondell Assanah -14th Final - Melanie ‘A’ - 1 vs Beterverwagting (BV) - B - 0: Dwight Peters – 2nd

CPL to host BEEFY’S BASH Star studded charity game to be a highlight of final week celebrations in St. Kitts Cricketing legends, Sir Ian ‘Beefy’ Botham and Brian Lara, together with media personality, Piers Morgan, have teamed up with the Limacol Caribbean Premier League to announce ‘Beefy’s Bash’, an all-star charity T20 game to take place at Warner Park, St.Kitts, on Tuesday August 12. The match will bring together a host of celebrity personalities, cricketing legends and current stars, and will form part of an exhilarating week in St.Kitts, building up to the final of the

Limacol CPL 2014 on Saturday August 16. Cricketing royalty, Sir Ian Botham and Brian Lara, have been designated as captains for the two teams, and have issued a call to arms to cricketing superstars, personalities and fans across the world to take part. In spite of his chastening experience against Australian fast bowler, Brett Lee, over Christmas, Piers Morgan was the first to volunteer, and has been snapped up by fellow Englishman, Botham. Sir Ian Botham said: ’I know how important cricket is to everyone in the Caribbean, and CPL has done a lot to reignite the region’s love for the game. St Kitts is an amazing island of rare beauty, full of wonderful people, and I’m excited to give something back to the country through this charity match, as well as getting the chance to watch the closing stages of the CPL.’

Piers Morgan commented; ’As soon as I got the call from Beefy, I knew this was something I wanted to be involved in. I¹m a huge fan of cricket and I love the Caribbean, so a chance to play in this special game and get involved with the Biggest Party in Sport was too good an opportunity to miss. I¹ve already asked Brett Lee to join in, but this time playing WITH me - not breaking my ribs!’ Brian Lara added; ’I’ve seen first-hand the impact CPL has had on the region. Players and fans love it, it’s great for our up and coming talent, and it provides an economic boost as well. I’ve always believed in the importance of giving back to the Caribbean, and this match will be a great way to do that. It’s going to be fun to play with and against some old friends and reignite some old rivalries, and I’ve already been contacted by plenty of fast bowlers keen to have a

bowl at Piers!’ Damien O’Donohoe, CEO of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League said; ’It was no surprise when Beefy got in touch about the game. The CPL is the Biggest Party in Sport and as a result, we’re naturally attracting some of the leading names in sport and entertainment. Beefy’s Bash is set to be a remarkable highlight of finals week in St. Kitts and expect some more big names to be announced in the coming weeks.’ The game will add spice to what promises to be a thrilling finals week in St. Kitts, ensuring that the CPL lives up to its reputation as the Biggest Party in Sport. As well as the two semifinal showdowns during the week, fans will be treated to a concert on Friday 15th August featuring international and local stars, before the main event, the final of the Limacol CPL 2014, on Saturday August 16.

Can KKR stop Kings XI’s batsmen again? Kings XI vs Knight Riders, IPL 2014, Qualifier 1, Kolkata Robin Uthappa

No team this season have scored their runs as quickly as Kings XI Punjab. Their tournament run-rate, so far, is 9.03, which means they have scored nearly half a run more in every over than the second-best team on that list, Chennai Super Kings (8.35). No team this season has been as frugal with the ball as Kolkata Knight Riders. Their tournament economy rate, so far, is 7.63, which is a healthy distance ahead of Mumbai Indians’ 7.93. The first Qualifier, then, will pit the top two teams in the tournament against each other, the best batting unit against the best bowling attack. Most of the time, it’s overly simplistic to consider just half of the contest. It would be particularly simplistic in this case, considering Robin Uthappa, a Knight Riders batsman, is the tournament’s highest rungetter, and Kings XI have taken the most wickets of any team this season. Even so, it’s hard to look beyond Kings XI’s batting line-up as the most decisive element of the game. Six times this season, they’ve scored 190 or more, and three of those scores came in successful chases. They are yet to lose a game batting second. Batting first, they have failed to cross 150 only twice. Both those sub-150 scores, however, came against Knight Riders. Two matches is too small a sample size from which to draw conclusive evidence that Knight Riders know the formula to keep Glenn Maxwell and his mates quiet, but given the bowling attack

Glenn Maxwell at their disposal and the fact that they are playing at home, you could see it happening again. Consider, also, that Knight Riders finished second on the points table on the back of seven straight wins, and that most of their players have hit form coming into the knockouts. Kings XI, on the other hand, have tailed off somewhat despite their results remaining solid enough. They rotated their squad after sealing a top-two place, and some of their earlyseason form players Maxwell and Sandeep Sharma, in particular - haven’t had a great time of late. Given the low-intensity nature of their last few league games, though, Kings XI will welcome the spike in energy and intensity that comes with a knockout game. FORM GUIDE Kings XI Punjab: WWLWW (completed games, most recent first) Kolkata Knight Riders: WWWWW League meetings Before the first meeting (Continued on page 30)

Tuesday May 27, 2014

Kaieteur News

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GVF and FIVB Referees Course hailed a success T

he curtains came down on Sunday afternoon last at the Guyana National Gymnasium when the Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) and FIVB ended a successful six-day Referees Course. Participants were exposed to five days of theory and a one day practical session. Class room work was held at the newly constructed National Resource Sports Centre and the Guyana National Gymnasium. Completing the course were 15 participants drawn from various clubs and organizations throughout Guyana. These included participants from Lethem in Region 9, Corentyne, Region 6, Buxton and Georgetown. Course Coordinator, Mr. Marlon Pearson in his closing remarks thanked all the participants for being a part of the programme and encouraged them to put their newly gained knowledge to practice. Course facilitator, FIVB Trainer Carlos Cimino of Brazil was also praised for the excellent work done. Cimino in his closing remarks commended the participants and urged them to be only the best and said he is looking forward for some of them becoming international referees while encouraging them to

Participants of the GVF / FIVB display their certificates in the presence of FIVB Trainer Carlos Cimino (standing centre) of Brazil and NSC’s Gervy C. Harry (standing 2nd right).

always come forward and make their contribution and not stay in the background. He reiterated that he knows this is a start but with much practice

they will become excellent referees. Also on hand to make closing remarks was Mr. Gervy C. Harry who represented the National Sports Commission.

Harry encouraged the participants to understand their roles and responsibilities while making full use of the opportunity presented to them. The newly

trained referees said they were very optimistic and eager to put their knowledge to the test. Certificates were presented to each of the participants.

Top players share the spoils as Independence Table Tennis Tournament concludes Eight days of competitive action eventually came to an end and several of the nation’s top racquet wielders triumphed in various categories when the finals of the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) Independence Table Tennis Tournament, staged in conjunction with the National Sports Commission, concluded at the National Gymnasium. Mandela Avenue, Saturday May 24 last. Nigel Bryan defeated Shemar Britton in the 21 years and under open category to take the honours at 9-11, 12-10, 10-12, 13-11, 11-4, 116 (4-2). The third place position was jointly shared by Elishaba Johnson and Stephan Corlette. In the semi-finals, Britton defeated Johnson 13-15, 11-7, 118, 11-8.13-11 (4-1) while Bryan defeated Corlette 11-8, 11-8, 11-5, 7-11, 11-7 (4-1). The quarter final matches were also competitive and Britton defeated Sheldon Atherly at 11-5, 11-3, and 11-5 (3-0) while Johnson defeated Kristoff Sukhoo at 11-7, 11-4, and 11-6 (3-0). Bryan defeated Miguel Wong at 11-6, 11-7, and 11-5 (3-0) and Corlette defeated Akeicia Nedd 1012, 11-8, 11-5, 11-8 (3-1). The details of the last 16 saw Britton defeating Sunil Logan 3-0 while Atherly defeated Dante DaSilva 3-

0. Sukhoo then defeated Alec Hopkinson 3-1 while Kevon Corbin lost to Johnson 0-3. Kyle Edghill lost to Wong 2-3, Brandon Belle lost to Bryan1-3, Nedd defeated Jeremey Singh 3-1, and Ryan Narine lost to Corlette 0-3. In the Boys’ Doubles finals Britton/Corbin defeated Johnson/Corlette at 5-11, 8-11, 117, 11-5, 11-6 (3-2) while the joint third place went to Sukhoo/Narine and Edghill/Singh. In the semifinals, the pair of Johnson/Corlette defeated Sukhoo/Narine at 14-12, 11-4, 11-6 (3-0) while Britton/Corbin defeated Edghill/Singh at 11-4, 12-10, 11-8 (3-0). The action in the quarter finals saw Corlette/Johnson defeating Tyriq Saunders/Nicholas Romain, (3-1) while Sheldon Atherly/Aaron Persaud lost to Sukhoo/Narine (13) moments before Britton/Corbin defeated Alec Hopkinson/Miguel Wo n g ( 3 - 2 ) a n d N i r a n Bissu/Terrence Rausch lost to Edghill/Singh (1-3). The Junior Mixed Doubles finals saw Kyle and Chelsea Edghill teaming up to defeat Alec Hopkinson and Priscilla Greaves, 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 (3-0) while joint third place went to Corlette/Selenas and Jackman and Britton /Nevaeh

Clarkston. In the semi finals, the two Edghills teamed up once again to defeat Britton/Clarkston 3-2 while the Hopkinson/Jackman team defeated Corlette/Jackman 3-2. In the quarter finals, Hopkinson teamed up with Greaves and defeated Kevon Corbin and Jamaali Homer 3-2 while Corlette / Jackman defeated Elishaba Johnson/Kristie Lopes 3-1. Britton/ Clarkston then joined and defeated Terrance Rausch and Simran Bissu 3-0 but Khalil Ninvalle and Brittany Bunbury lost to the Edghill duo, 3-0. In the women’s singles finals, Chelsea Edghill defeated Akeicia Nedd 11-7, 11-7, 11-7 (3-0) while joint 3rd place went to Jamaali Homer and Priscilla Greaves. In semi finals action, Edghill defeated Homer at 11-6, 11-9, 11-4 (3-0) while Nedd defeated Greaves, 12-10, 11-1, 11-6 (3-0). The quarter finals saw Edghill and Greaves being gifted a bye to the semifinals while Selenas Jackman lost to Homer 2-3 and Nedd defeating Kristie Lopes 3-0. In the Men’s singles finals, Shemar Britton forfeited against Brandon Belle after she sustained severe cramps. The latter player was duly crowned the men’s

Nigel Bryan

Chelsea Edghill singles champion while joint third place went Orin Hickerson and Joel Alleyne. Britton defeated Hickerson at 7-11, 6-11, 12-10, 11-7, 7-11, 11-8, 14-12 (4-3) in the semi-final duel while Belle prevailed over Alleyne at 11-8, 12-14, 11-4, 11-5, 11-8 (41) in the quarter finals. Britton also defeated Corlette 11-7, 11-9, 11-13, 11-7 (3-1) while Ayube Khan lost to Hickerson 8-11, 10-12, 2-11 (0-3). Belle defeated Xen Goliah at 11-5, 10-12, 11-8, and 11-8 (3-1) while Alleyne defeated Nigel

Bryan at 10-12, 5-11, 11-5, 11-2, and 11-9 (3-1). The places in the last 16 was decided after Britton defeated Patrick Couchman at 115, 11-6, 11-6 ( 3-0), Corlette defeated Jonathan Sankar 11-7,511,4-11,11-5,11-7 (3-2), Kristoff Sukhoo lost to Khan 8-11, 11-13, 911 ( 0-3) and Khalil Ninvalle lost to Hickerson 3-11, 8-11, 10-12 (0-3). Kyle Edghill lost to Belle 11-8, 11-13, 6-11, 11-7, 9-11 (2-3), Miguel Wong lost to Goliah 11-6, 8-11, 11-5, 8-11, 9-11 (2-3), Bryan defeated Elishaba Johnson 11-13, 11-8, 11-7, 11-5 ( 3-1) and Alleyne was gifted a walk over after Sandor Kanhai failed to turn up for her game.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 27, 2014

Digicel hosts successful Coaches - turns its Workshop in Region 10 attention to Essequibo A

lready touted to surpass the record number of entries submitted in any of the three previous editions, preparations for the commencement of this year ’s Digicel Schools Football Competition tournament is hitting high gear thanks to astute planning by the Organising Committee. Since its inception, sponsor representatives including CEO of the Company Gregory Dean and Head of Marketing Jacqueline James have consistently echoed similar sentiments about the whole aim of the Company’s efforts which according to them is to lift the general standard of the game locally. To t h i s e n d , t h e Organising Committee has constantly reviewed every tournament and made improvements where necessary, all directly related to enhancing the product at

every level. This year has seen an increase in the number of Coaches Workshops held and the general feedback is that they were well attended and received and while the standard of play on-field has steadily improved, the Committee has made a concerted effort to get more teachers and coaches involved in helping to increase their own knowledge of the sport so that when they return to their respective schools the information gathered will be efficiently disseminated. Following Workshops in West Berbice and Lethem, Digicel hosted anther of its kind in Linden recently where participants were lectured on various topics of the sport including improving goalkeeping techniques, role of the coach, environmental and safety, technical development, Hydration and Nutrition, Injury Prevention and Treatment, Laws of the

Facilitator Denzil Thompson (foreground) makes a point as participants pay rapt attention during the Workshop recently.

Game, Team and Game Management and Practical sessions. The Facilitators of the Workshop were Coaches Brian Joseph, Denzil Thompson and Abdulla Hamid and at the end of the two-day sessions the participants were then asked

EVEREST OVERCOME Enterprise by 8 wickets

Captain of the Everest Masters Rajesh Singh (right) collects the winning trophy from Enterprise skipper Seemangal Yadram.

H

ost Everest Cricket Club d e f e a t e d Enterprise Busta SC by eight wickets to take the Trophy Stall T20 title yesterday. Batting first, the visitors managed 93-4 after the game was reduced to 15 overs due to rain. Enterprise lost the

early wicket of Khalid Mohamed (05) in the third over with score on 11, but Vishwanauth Gobin and Mankad Balkissoon (16) steadied the innings somewhat a second wicket stand of 37 before Gobin was bowled by Rohan Sarjoo for 25 (2x4).

Balkissoon then added a further 39 for the third wicket with Latchman Yadram (20) to beef up their total, but steady bowling by the home team bowlers led by Sarjoo (2-19) ensured their batsmen chased a gettable total on a heavy outfield. Everest lost opener Sheik Mohamed (00) LBW to Seemangal Yadram in the first over before Sahadeo Hardeo and Hemraj Garbarran stabilized the chase with the second wicket partnership of 68 with level headed batting. Garbarran was eventually dismissed for 25 (1x4 1x6), but Hardeo who top scored with 57 not out (2x4 4x6) and Basil Persaud (07*) saw their team home in 10 overs as they ended on 95-2. Yadram (1-6) and Mohamed (1-7) were the wicket takers for Enterprise. Hardeo was given the man of the match award while Everest collected a trophy. The game was organised as part of Everest CC 100th anniversary celebrations.

for feedback, before being evaluated. Digicel Sponsorship and Events Manager Gavin Hope

speaking with this newspaper said that another Workshop is scheduled to be held on May 29 and 30 at

Dartmouth, Essequibo. Meanwhile, the Launch which is set for June 6 will be held in Linden.

President Cameron seeing shift in focus Kingston, Jamaica - Money to be allocated to the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) from the Caribbean Premier League, an annual contribution of US$360,000, will, according to board President Dave Cameron, boost the pace of the professionalisation of first-class cricket in the region, and initiate a shift from the way things are done currently. It is a position supported by West Indies Players Association (WIPA) President and CEO Wavell Hinds. The move to professionalise West Indies first-class cricket was announced in March following a meeting of the board, and forms part of a 19-point plan to raise the quality of first-class cricket in the region. In addition to the Test players already contracted by the WICB, 15 first-class players from each of the six territories will be contracted on a fulltime, year-round basis. This development, however, does not mean that the West Indies will turn its back on grassroots players. SHIFTING FOCUS “We have 151,000 kids playing grassroots cricket across the region. That’s a huge number, but we haven’t been able to translate that into winning Test matches and one-day internationals, so we now have to focus a little bit on performance,” the WICB president said. “We are not going to take our foot off the development and getting kids in the game, but obviously, if you are more successful, then kids will gravitate towards the sport. “But, in my view, we have been a little too focused on the development side rather than performance, so we have shifted gears. Now our HPC team will be our ‘A’ team, always ready to get into action, and that means we will now have 30 players who you can call

Dave Cameron

your senior team. That’s a big difference from what we had before. And then, backing that up, the other 70 or 80 players that will be on contract throughout the region, so it’s a huge step for us.” The money from the CPL will represent a significant portion of the sum that the WICB will allocate towards the new thrust, Cameron said, and this will allow for players to spend more time focused on developing their skills, which, in turn, will benefit regional cricket. Cameron estimates that it will cost the board about US$2 million. That money, divided among the 80 players, represents a significant boost to their annual earnings, and in addition to the US$1,300 each will receive for each four-day game and US$750 for each one day game, and earnings from the CPL, the players should be able to live off their cricket earnings alone. “You will have players, my guess, earning in the region of US$20,000 a year,” Cameron said. “That is a good entry level for any cricketer. That will keep them interested in (Continued on page 29)

Tuesday May 27, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 35

Mahdia pugilists enjoy mild success as GBA ‘Nuff Cuff’ initiative gains traction The boxers from the city join with their counterparts out of Mahdia shortly after the conclusion of the card

By Michael Benjamin Boxers out of the Mahdia Boxing Gym (MBG) endorsed the belief of local amateur boxing officials of untapped talent in the rural and interior communities when two pugilists out of that institution secured victories over their Georgetown counterparts when the curtains came down on one night of fistic fury at Vidya’s Courtyard, Mahdia, Saturday evening last. Notwithstanding these victories, the Georgetown crew dominated their opponents and thrilled a crowd of eager, screaming fans despite earlier showers that left the ring damp and forced a late start. Representing the Mahdia Boxing Gym (MBG), Kurt Bobb unleashed a two fisted attack on Shane Skeete of the Harpy Eagles Boxing Gym (HEBG) and walked away with the spoils in the 115-119 lbs division while his gym mate, Shakeem Matterson, was gifted a walk over from Akeem Mounter of the Essequibo Boxing Gym (EBG). Tefon Green (HEBG) also stamped his authority when he forced the referee to stop his 120124lbs bout against Travis Caesar in 1:46secs of the first round. Green rushed out at the sound of the bell and a one two combination pushed

Caesar on the back foot. Green advanced while Caesar attempted to weather the storm with highly held guards. It turned out that his two hands were insufficient and after Green had unleashed a vicious right cross, Caesar braced the neutral corner, unable to stop the onslaught forcing the referee to mercifully call a halt to the one sided affair. Akeem Mounter (EBG) started the night on a winning note for his gym when he defeated Cornell Wi l s o n ( M B G ) . T h e M B G representative started the fight at a fast pace but it was clear that he lacked the technicalities of the sport; his punches were wayward and lacked the requisite timings resulting in most of them falling short of the mark or missing altogether. What he lacked in skill, the MBG representative made up in courage and enthusiasm. He attacked but his opponent was the more experienced and countered with several mean punches that pushed Wilson backwards. Despite, his greenhorn status and despite being on the receiving end of several wicked clouts, Wilson demonstrated courage when he refused to quit. There were times when he appeared to be done but suddenly found the courage and

stamina to continue. As such, what appeared to be an easy fight for Mounter, turned out to be a tough encounter though he eventually earned the judges’ nod. The gruelling encounter took its toll on Mounter who was to have returned for a second fight later on the programme. Instead, he was advised by the ringside nurse against the second bout after he complained that he had hurt his hand in the Wilson shindig. Stefan Smith of the Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF) turned in a special display to outpoint his MBG opponent, Brendon Lashley to win the 160-170lbs division. Much was expected of Lashley; as a matter of fact, he was touted to be the best out of the community. He never had the opportunity to showcase his wares as Smith waded into him from the onset and had him in all kinds of trouble. The FYF representative eventually managed to influence the referee who wisely called a halt to the contest at 1:46secs of the third round. Smith was eventually adjudged best boxer of the tournament. There were several bouts between members of the MBG and those were also entertaining. All of these bouts occurred in the 7074lbs category; Junior Vieira (MBG) defeated his gym mate,

Milton Edwards on points while D e q u a i n Wi l l i a m s ( M B G ) emulated Vieira’s feat over Colin G r a y. C h r i s S a m p s o n a n d Wentworth Alfred then outpointed Damion Rodriguez and Jahiem DeSantos respectively. Deshon Allicock (EBG) then defeated Johnnick LaRose (FYF) in the 105-109lbs category just before Dewani Lampkin (FYF) snatched a 2-1 verdict from Javaad Richards in the (Youth) segment of the tournament. Shaquille Wright (EBG) carted off the honours in the 90-94lbs division after outpointing Shemar Bumbury while his sibling and gym mate, Shaquancy, engaged Leon Moore (MBG) in an exhibition bout in the 55-59lbs category. Meanwhile, President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Steve Ninvalle, braved the treacherous terrain to assess the quality of competition in Mahdia. Mr. Ninvalle said that he was pleased with the efforts of his executives who collaborated with Mark Young to make the card a reality. He labelled the occasion as historic and promised the Mahdia residents that the card will not be an isolated one. “The longest journey starts with the first step and I could assure you that tonight’s card is the first of

many to come,” pronounced Mr. Ninvalle. He said that his greatest desire is to see pugilists out of the Region 8 community develop to the point where representatives could travel to Georgetown to participate in GBA organized tournaments. He beseeched the spectators and boxers alike to be disciplined to facilitate an incident free programme. “It’s not necessarily whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game that matters,” Ninvalle assured the boxers. The card dubbed, ‘Independence Boxing Showdown’ was staged at Vidya’s Courtyard, Mahdia and the organizers are indeed grateful for the support rendered by the owners. They also expressed gratitude to businessman Roger hinds who selflessly donated funds and other resources towards the success of the venture. Minister of the Tourism (ag), Irfaan Ali, who also came in for commendations for supporting the card while Cell Phone Shack, donated one cell phone for the most promising boxer on show, and Trophy Stall, for the input of trophies and medals. The ‘Nuff Cuff’ initiative next ventures into Buxton ECD this weekend and two boxers out of St Lucia are expected to be a part of the action.

t r o Sp Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition

Melanie ‘A’ NEW CHAMPIONS of the East Coast; Melanie ‘B’ finishes third East Coast Branch Guinness Supervisor Clive Pellew (2nd right) hands over the winning trophy and monetary prize to Melanie ‘A’ Captain Dwight Peters in the presence of Guinness Brand Manager Lee Baptiste (2nd left), Tournament Co-ordinator Troy Mendonca (right) and teammates Sunday evening.

FIFA World Cup Countdown Tournament starts in:

CPL to host BEEFY’S BASH

Brian Lara and Sir Ian ‘Beefy’ Botham

Mahdia pugilists enjoy mild success as GBA ‘Nuff Cuff’ initiative gains traction

16 DAYS

Best boxer, Stefan Smith

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