Kaieteur News

Online readership yesterday 91,922

May 08, 2012 - Vol. 5 No. 19 - Price $80

Email: kaieteurnews@yahoo.com Online: http://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com

Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

CGX oil search comes up empty Pg 3

- Dr Suresh Narine new Chairman in major shakeup

Ramotar defends NICIL hoarding $$$$B Pg 3

Home Affairs elections $90M for police adds up Hospital workers Presidential pension sit-in over lack package up for of potable water Parliament debate Pg 6

Pg 11

Pg 9

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 08, 2012

Tuesday May 08, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 3

CGX oil search comes Ramotar defends - Suresh Narine new NICIL hoarding $$$B Chairman in major shakeup up empty - company spends extra US$21M

By Leonard Gildarie Guyana’s hope of striking oil in commercial quantities suffered a major setback with Canadian-owned, CGX Energy Inc. announcing yesterday that its drilling has not found any oil in commercial quantities at the Corentyne offshore site.

The company has since announced plans for drilling another well in that concession.

It also announced a major shakeup, appointing Guyanese-born professor, Dr. Suresh Narine, as the new Chairman.

The Eagle-1 well was initially budgeted for 60 days of drilling but experienced weather delays and mechanical issues which extended operations for an additional 30 days. “The initial cost estimate for the Eagle-1 well was $55 million. However with the delays, the Eagle-1 well is now estimated to cost $71 million. As a result, the company will need to raise approximately $20 million in the near term.”

CGX reportedly said that it was spending around US$500,000 daily to have Ocean Saratoga rig anchored in the Corentyne concession.

WATER According to CGX, the drilling found water. “Hence, CMR (combinable magnetic resonance) and MDT (modular formation dynamics) were run and both logs identified the presence of good quality sandstone reservoirs that unfortunately proved to be water bearing.”

Guyana is said to be one of the attractive underexplored basin in the world with a potential of 15.2 billion barrels of oil. Estimates place annual production targets at 50 million barrels.

The country will now be pinning its hopes for oil on the Jaguar-1 well which is currently being drilled well on the Georgetown block. CGX has a 25 per cent interest with its partners Repsol Exploración S.A (operator), YPF Guyana Limited and Tullow plc.

According to CGX, yesterday, the Corentyne Eagle-1 well reached total depth of 4,328 metres on April

By Gary Eleazar

New CEO/President, Kerry Sully

New Chairman, Dr. Suresh Narine

25. The company had planned to drill to a depth of 4,250 metres.

“Further analyses will be conducted to verify the geological age of the drilled section as well as the chemical composition of the recovered fluids.”

At the Georgetown well, being drilled by the Atwood Beacon jack-up drill, CGX in its statement said that work continues. “Total depth for the well is projected at 6,500 metres to test the Turonian geologic zone. The Jaguar-1 well was spud on February 9, 2012 and is expected to take 180 days. Drilling operations are progressing as planned.”

According to Kerry Sully, CGX’s President and CEO, “Although the results of the Eagle-1 well are disappointing for all stakeholders, this test has gathered valuable information that will assist CGX with determining the drilling location for its next well on the Corentyne PPL and for other future targets.”

Regarding its future plans, the company said that already, its geosciences team has been interpreting the recently acquired 3D and additional prospects have been identified.

“In addition, the team has established that the up-dip termination of our Eagle Deep Turonian prospect is at a shallower depth than originally anticipated.

Now that the Eagle-1 well has finished drilling and in response to expressions of interest, CGX is re-opening the data room to re-start the

joint venture process.”

The disappointing drill results would come almost 12 years after Suriname controversially ejected a CGX rig in June 2000 off Corentyne, sparking a diplomatic spat that ended up with the United Nations where an award was made, paving the way for Guyana to restart its oil exploration there.

At the time, Suriname had claimed that the rig was in its territorial waters.

SHAKE-UP Meanwhile, CGX yesterday in a separate statement also revealed that effective May 4, Stephen Hermeston was no longer President and Chief Executive Officer.

Kerry Sully has since been named acting President and Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect. Sully held the positions in CGX from 1998 until June 2011 when he was appointed Executive Chairman of the Company.

Sully, according to CGX, has over 40 years of industry experience and has played an instrumental role in the company’s development for over 14 years. “The company has initiated a search for a new permanent President and CEO.” Also effective May 4, (continued on page 7)

The Opposition concerns regarding billions of dollars being held in special accounts in the name of the National Industrial Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) and not turned over to the nation’s coffers are seemingly without merit.

At least, this is according to the Head of State, Donald Ramotar, who yesterday said, “I have heard the (opposition) arguments and I am not convinced.”

The President says that as far as he is aware he is not doing anything illegal and NICIL is not breaching the law either.

“We are not doing anything illegal as far as that is concerned,” said Ramotar when asked to respond to increased criticism in recent weeks.

The President said that it is not a case where none of

Winston Brassington Speaking to some of the problems that would have delayed the reports he said that court litigation in some cases following privatization has hampered the process.

“That’s why some of them have not yet been completed,” said Ramotar and added that “the main area you talk about has been audited.”

The President was

“We are not doing anything illegal as far as that is concerned… None of it is misappropriated and it is audited,” Ramotar the money ever reaches the Consolidated Fund. When dividends are declared these are paid into the Consolidated Fund, he said.

The President was also adamant that NICIL’s accounts are audited.

President Ramotar said that one of the main concerns relates to the monies held by the Privatisation Unit.

This body is a component of NICIL and responsible for the disposal of state assets.

According to the President, the account for this component of NICIL which deals which the largest portion of the money, has been audited.

He said that the audits have been completed up to 2010 but explained that some of the other entities that fall under NICIL are still lagging behind. The result is that the complete report for NICIL is yet to be tabled.

adamant that there is a misguided view circulating that the money has somehow been misappropriated.

“None of it is (misappropriated) and it is audited,” said Ramotar.

When pressed on why all of the money is still not being turned over to the Consolidated Fund the President said, “We don’t have to do that because the law allows NICIL to keep that money.”

Ramotar ’s comment follows a threat by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) to move to the courts to force NICIL to have the money placed in the Consolidated Fund.

Alliance for Change

Head of State Donald Ramotar Chairman Khemraj Ramjattan has alleged that NICIL could be in the possession of some $50B. The most recent report available for NICIL is for 2003.

At that time there was some $30B in revenue for that year.

In that report by the company’s Executive Director, Winston Brassington, stated in 2002, that having regard to accounting conventions and financial reporting standards, a decision was made to have NICIL comply with such corporate governance strategies “culminating in this Annual Report — the first set of consolidated accounts for the Company.”

He said that the issuance of consolidated accounts for NICIL, as a parent company, is dependent on the completion of the audits of its subsidiaries.

He said that the challenges faced to achieve the milestone stemmed primarily from the poor level of preparation of accounts by the subsidiaries coupled with the slow pace of audits generated by the Audit Office of Guyana.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 08, 2012

Letters... Where your views make the 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

It depends on who is selling The wheel has come full circle for those administering the National Insurance Scheme. When the scheme came into being in 1969 the voices of criticism were loud. In the first instance those opposed to the scheme insisted that it was an unwanted tax on the worker.

On the other hand, the then government was concerned that many people at the onset of old age, needed some measure of financial support. It was therefore necessary that they contribute to those years while they were still active.

If it was a tax on the worker, it was also a tax on the employer because he or she had to pay a matching contribution. Since in those days the government was the largest employer, it was the entity that was making the greatest contribution to the scheme on behalf of the workers.

And in keeping with tradition many workers grumbled when the contributions were deducted but because it was compulsory it was only a matter of time that those contributions to the NIS became a non issue. And to help the Scheme was the fact that new workers into the labour force automatically became contributors.

The government has changed; the critics have now embraced the NIS and the beneficiaries are singing its praises more than four decades later. Of course there have been instances of fraud and these will continue. More recently, with a large sum of cash on hand the Scheme set out to invest, knowing that it always had to keep ahead of expenditures.

There was one very costly investment which saw NIS losing some $1.2 billion and if one were to calculate the interest that should accrue to this sum the loss would have been significantly greater. The Scheme was also used to fund the construction of the CARICOM Secretariat headquarters at Turkeyen, to make loans to some private investors and more recently, to help fund the construction of the Berbice River Bridge. These are interest-bearing investments All of the latter investments occurred during the tenure of the initial critics of the Scheme. When questioned about that reaction to the establishment of the National Insurance Scheme the very critics, with a wry smile, would simply say that such was the game of politics.

However, the harsh reality, politics or not, is that there seems to be no consideration for the long term good of any project once that project is fashioned by someone other than the ruling party. It is for this reason that the decision to expand the revenue base by seeking to target the ranks of the self-employed is noted and appreciated.

It is no secret that the drive to expand the revenue base is due to the money lost in a questionable investment. Further, the time has come when expenditures exceed revenue. Last year, the earnings from some of the investments helped cushion the impact of this untenable financial situation.

Just three weeks ago some of those who sought to avoid contributing to the Scheme during their active years are now ruing the day that they never contributed. Now that they have retired and must rely on a pension that is proving to be inadequate, there is no cushion to be had from the NIS. As we examine the people being targeted on this occasion, we cannot but help note that many of them are in high risk jobs and need the protection more than anyone else, which NIS offers. Hire cars are more likely to be involved in accidents and the drivers hurt. Just a few hours ago one driver died after a horrific collision. Without NIS coverage there can be no survivors’ benefit.

The government is now seeking to make NIS registration mandatory. For one to secure a licence to operate hire cars and minibuses one would be expected to produce a document that shows NIS compliance.

Certain workers in the hospitality industry and other categories of self-employed people will be targeted by a new legislation. There is one hiccup, though. It has to be the need to ensure that such people’s contributions are properly recorded. Many are reporting problems with the computation of their benefits.

But this is another matter.

NICIL may have to be reformed legally DEAR EDITOR, The identity of the author of your Peeping Tom columns of 6 May and 7 May 2012 is not difficult to guess.

Someone is back from globetrotting, and reengaged with the business of State. On 6 May (‘The world is not waiting on Guyana to solve its political problems’), the Opposition is ‘silly’ and engaged in ‘silliness’ in ‘playing games’.

Meanwhile the deals made unilaterally by a certain Champion are ‘reasonable’, etc. More of the same in KN of 7 May (‘The funds held by NICIL are not required to be placed into the Consolidated

Fund’). The best the Champion can come up with to defend the NICIL accumulated income is that there are or will be unnamed expenses. Oh, and by the way, the PNC did the same.

‘Mout open, story jump out’. Has Peeping Tom noticed that this is not the same Guyana over which Burnham ruled?

Back then the PPP made secret deals with said Burnham, as Halim Majeed documented in his 2005 book, (‘Forbes Burnham: National Reconciliation And National Unity 1984-1985’).

It’s harder now: the people are reading about what

goes on at meetings of the executive committee of the PPP and about the ‘thorough, comprehensive and vulgar’ cussing out that was the order of the day there (SN letter to the Editor, 7 May 2012, ‘Central Committee of PPP took decision against SN ads cut, Dr Luncheon is referring to ExCo meeting on the publication of my article’).

It’s hard to remember the PPP that once touted itself as the lean and clean, vanguard party of the working class.

Mr Peeping Tom (Champion mouthpiece), you dare the Opposition to challenge the withholding of NICIL funds in court. How

about the court of public opinion? It appears that you are already nervous on that front. I look forward to continued discussion of this issue, in and out of the courts: how was NICIL constituted? Is it subject to normal commercial law or are there special provisions for a governmentowned company? What are its legal obligations for obtaining and managing income? How competent or incompetent have the government legal draftsman been?

NICIL may have to be reformed legally. That day will mark another victory for Guyana.

Janette Bulkan

Furthering an agenda at the expense of others DEAR EDITOR, Reference is made to the Kaieteur News’ editorial, 5th May, 2012, titled “Arrival Day should be preserved.” This editorial seeks to laud the contributions and influence of Indians in Guyana and why the holiday should be preserved, albeit it was argued by the PPP government that the holiday would commemorate the arrivals of all indentured racial groups.

The editorial argued that, “Guyana’s ability to cultivate rice is credited to the Indian immigrants.” This statement is false.

A nanosecond journey to the Guyana Rice Development Board’s website exposes the myth.

Refer to http://grdb.gy/ index.php?option=com _content&task =view&id =12&Itemid=2 On the Home page, under the section “History of rice in Guyana,” it is stated for all to read, that “Rice was first introduced into Guyana around 1750 being brought from South Carolina, during the occupation by the Dutch.

Another importation was recorded about 1782 during the French occupation from the French colony Louisiana.

From these early introductions, and up to 1838, isolated attempts were made to grow the crop commercially. However, for the most part these attempts failed and this was attributed to the lack of knowledge of rice cultivation by the slaves, and to planters’ refusal to permit growing rice outside the environs of the sugar plantations (Ramgopaul, 1964). In 1848, rice was freely grown in Berbice by Timini Africans.”

The first batch of Indian indentured servants came to Guyana in 1838 and from the recount of Guyana Rice Development Board’s website, rice was being planted before, and in 1848, it was Africans who had freely grown rice. From 1750 to 1848, Indians were not mentioned

in rice development.

Yes, Indians played an important role in developing the rice sector and must be given credit, but others who predated them must also be given their due and not at the swipe of someone’s agenda their contributions be discarded.

Another glaring dishonest input in the editorial reads, “When one considers that just a few decades ago the Indians were not as keen on education as they are today, when one considers that the Indians sought economic activities in every corner and succeeded beyond people’s wildest dreams, then one can see why Guyana is perhaps the economic capital of the Caribbean.”

The so-called absence of keenness for education on the Indian part has many attributing factors, one of which was schools prior to nationalization were largely run by religious groups, mostly from the Christian belief and had Christian

influences in the education curriculum. This obviously would be a deterrent to Indians who were largely non-Christian in their beliefs.

Another view is that with nationalization, nondenominational, universal, school feeding and uniform programmes, free and compulsory education up to secondary level, a policy advanced by successive PNC governments, education became attractive and more accessible for all.

Free university education also played a role in educational and economic advancement, another benefit of the PNC administration which was taken away by the PPP administration.

And by no stretch of the imagination is Guyana “the economic capital of the Caribbean.” Barbados is ranked the third richest state in the Americas, after Canada and the USA and, Guyana comes nowhere near the capital might of Trinidad.

On May 1st, the PPP’s Labour Day message in

Kaieteur News attributed that “Our Party led the fight for Universal Adult Suffrage.”

This again is not true.

The fight for universal adult suffrage was led by Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow and the trade union movement, which predated the political parties, and was a cause to which the PPP added their voice.

What stands out in the 5/ 5/2012 editorial and is most troubling is the brazen and dishonest attempt to rewrite history in this enlightened age. Persons must be proud of their achievements, but when efforts are going to be made to manipulate history it hurts more than help the image of those promoting their achievements.

There are Indians who are proud of their history and want it to be recorded truthfully, including its pluses and minuses, because imperfection is a human characteristic. But to those who see the need to manipulate history to give (Continued on page 5)

Predictable fallout from the excesses of unbridled capitalism DEAR EDITOR, The recent elections in France and Greece have brought to the surface the growing discontent and frustration experienced by the voting public over IMF/EU austerity measures imposed on them as a consequence of the economic and financial crisis.

In both countries, right and centreright parties have suffered significant losses at the polls in favour of leftist and anti-austerity parties.

In the case of France, Socialist François Hollande was swept to victory in presidential election, defeating Nicolas Sarkozy, a significant shift to the left that could have farreaching implications not only for France but for the entire Eurozone countries that have, by and large, embraced an economic approach which places the burden of the crisis on the backs of the working people by way of cuts in social services and other austerity measures.

These measures were largely imposed by the IMF/EU as part of a massive bailout plan.

The medicine clearly proved too painful for the vast majority of people, who expressed in

no uncertain terms their anger and disapproval by voting out those parties that embraced such policies as in the case of France and Greece.

Sarkozy, known for his flamboyance and erratic behaviour, became the 11th Eurozone leader in succession to be swept from power since the commencement of the debt crisis some three years ago.

The writing is clearly on the wall for all political parties, whether from the right or the left of the political spectrum, that the masses are no longer prepared to countenance the excesses of unbridled capitalism and would have no difficulty in replacing any party and government that seeks to shift the burden of the crisis on the shoulders of the working class.

There is a growing awareness that the crisis did not emanate out of the working class, but from the unregulated nature of the market economy, and it is therefore unreasonable and unfair for the working people to suffer the consequences of such crisis.

Hydar Ally

Tuesday May 08, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 5

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

Is it a Value Added Tax or a Sales Tax? Furthering an agenda at the expense of...

DEAR EDITOR, Even as I applaud Mr Khurshid Sattaur’s letter published May 7, I am meditating its implications for application of the VAT. I am moved to address to him an enquiry I put late last year to a few acquaintances among businessmen, public servants and politicians (note overlapping categories).

Having had no enlightenment since then, may I hope that the revival of these issues in your columns will lead to abating some of the concerns I still share with your other correspondent, Mr Alfred Bhulai.

There is lately some talk in high places of examining the application of the Value Added Tax in the Guyana economy. It has been a puzzle to me, and to the few officials I have chatted with about it, that the VAT is charged on the full price of goods at each stage of the commercial system. The consumer is paying far above the original cost of goods, but my problem is that the tax he pays is on more than the Value Added. That may be good for the government revenue, but no one knows whether this is

the intent of the law.

For local manufactures not VAT-exempt, the distributor pays 16% on the producer’s full selling price, not just on the value added by transforming the materials that the factory purchased.

For imported goods, the importer pays 16% on the full CIF value, not just on the cost of transporting the goods to the port of entry. Then, whenever the goods change hands along the commercial path to the consumer, VAT is collected at the rate of 16% of the gross selling price.

Raw materials purchased by local factories are usually VAT-exempted as manufacturing inputs. The finished or imported goods may be sold through distributors, wholesalers and retailers to the end-user, and each reseller may deduct from his VAT remittance to the GRA the amounts he paid as VAT in the same reporting period. This means the VAT should be charged only on the seller’s expenses in

procuring, stocking and selling, plus his net profits.

So the VAT is not compounded: if every merchant deducts the tax he paid, we are not paying taxes on taxes. But it seems all are paying taxes each time on the full value of the goods, not just on the value added at each transaction. The result is that retail prices often exceed ex-factory prices by quite shocking margins.

Similarly, an imported item can end up costing the consumer more than twice its original cost from the exporter.

The multiple taxation is reduced if the consumer buys higher up the chain from the importer or local manufacturer.

Or if, for instance, a retailer buys direct from the factory or importer instead of a wholesaler, his cost price is reduced. The state loses one layer of VAT, but stands to gain by income tax on the extra profit the retailer can make.

However most of the goods we buy pass through several commercial hands, all

entitled to make a living and be taxed on their earnings. But taxed on the same value again and again? Did our revenuers have this in mind when the VAT was first imposed? If so, why was it called Value Added Tax rather than Sales Tax? That is, as far as I can see, the way our VAT works: when it works. I hope there’s something that I’m missing, because, as a consumer, I have a nasty feeling that my cost of living is being affected in a way that surely can’t be intended by the statute (which one, by the way?) or by equity. Will someone please show where I am misinformed, or just wrong, or crazy, yet again.

Gordon Forte

From page 4 them the superior edge, they are the ones who will go to any length to deny others, and this makes them very dangerous.

The truth be told, Indians came to Guyana and did not meet a perfect society, and made contributions to building the country. Equally so, Indians did not meet a society lacking a solid foundation, absent of economic activities, persons hanging from trees, living in caves, naked/half-naked or laying about waiting to be directed, taught or civilized.

The society is still not perfect and has distance to cover, but

to make any claim (implicit/ explicit) that thanks to the Indian presence actions, civilization and development have cometh is stretching reality into absurdity and causes persons to frown at the level of deceit some will go to, to further an agenda at the expense of others.

It is wicked and dishonest to our history and to the other racial groups who have equally made sterling contributions to developing Guyana. It is insidious, nauseating and disgusting, and it must stop.

M. A. Bacchus

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 08, 2012

Home Affairs elections $90M for police adds up

By Gary Eleazar There appears to be vindication on the part of the Ministry of Home Affairs as it relates to that entity’s accounting for the $90M allocated to the Guyana Police Force for the November 28, 2011 elections.

According to the budgetary explanation the money was to meet additional expenditure for the General and Regional Elections for feeding rural constables working on Election Day. The money was also to feed the ranks of the Guyana Police Force and to meet expenditures associated “with the intensification of patrols in and around the city.”

The furor had erupted after at least one divisional Commander David Ramnarine complained that he had not received sufficient funds for the ranks under his command. The Home Affairs Ministry later released details of a cheque for $320,000 made to Ramnarine.

This sparked a confrontation with the Guyana Police Force and Ministry of Home Affairs, both of which claimed no wrongdoing.

Auditor General Deodat Sharma has since undertaken

…Audit Office probe almost complete an in depth probe of the $90M and while the investigation has not been completed the initial reports point to no wrongdoing.

A source close to the investigation said that so far everything checks out.

The probe consists mainly of a verification exercise and corroborating the paper trails such as receipts and vouchers for expenditures. There is nothing to shout about.”

Apart from maintaining that the report will be submitted soon, the Auditor General has declined any further comments on the matter.

He had told this publication that the findings will determine when the results will be made public.

Sharma explained that depending on what the probe uncovers the report will be made immediately or will just form a part of the annual report which he would normally undertake.

The Auditor General says that he is in possession of the relevant documents and will look into each aspect of the allegations being leveled against the officials.

The major opposition parties, namely Alliance for Change and A Partnership for National Unity, had demanded a probe into the $90M that Government allocated to the police for meals and other expenses for the November 28 elections, but which some Divisional Commanders say never reached them.

Former E and F Division Commander, Assistant Commissioner Ramnarine, had disclosed that he never received any of the money for his ranks’ upkeep. He also said that he was told to solicit monies and other facilities from members of the business community.

Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee subsequently produced a copy of a cheque

issued to Ramnarine for $320,000 and drawn from the Police Welfare Fund which many have since questioned.

Sharma says this too (use of the Welfare Fund) will be subjected to the probe which he has launched.

To date, the former Commissioner of Police Henry Greene, who has since retired following a probe into a rape allegation against him, has been silent despite the repeated allegations of impropriety.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has also stated that it never advised the police to seek assistance from the business community to feed ranks during last November’s General and Regional elections.

Divisional Commanders

had indicated to this newspaper that they were advised by Commissioner of Police, Henry Greene, to seek the assistance of the public since the Force had not received money from central government.

The Ministry said, “As regards letters issued by Mr. Henry Greene to Commanders to seek the assistance of the public, assuming that this is indeed the case, the Ministry wishes to make it clear that no such instruction originated from Ministry of Home Affairs.”

The Ministry added, “…Those who worked with and for the Guyana Police Force (GPF) over the years and prior to and after 1992 must know about these practices and much more which they themselves condoned and approved during their association with

Auditor General Deodat Sharma the Guyana Police Force.”

The Ministry is also maintaining that no illegal or criminal act was committed by the payment of part of the $90M allocated for police elections duties into the Police Central Welfare Fund.

Murders down despite recent spike Despite the recent spike in murders the Guyana Police Force has released figures that show an 18 percent decrease for the period January to April, when compared with last year.

The Guyana Police Force in a statement issued yesterday said that a total of 44 murders were recorded at the end of April 2011 in comparison to 36 for the similar period this year.

Of the 36 murders, 16 were of the disorderly type, six were domestic related and two were execution type. The other 12 are so far unknown.

Of the two execution

style murders one was the death of businessman Leonard Mahadeo, who was gunned down in an Eccles, East Bank Demerara bar.

The police do not consider the murders of expoliceman Renie Williams and taxi driver Balram Jadoonauth as executions.

May 2012 is only seven days old and the police murder statistics are increasing.

And to make matters worse, most of the recent murders remain unsolved and investigators appear to have lost their way.

The Police East Coast Demerara Division is currently

the murder capital of the country with 10 so far, one more than the large geographic Interior Division.

All the other Divisions have so far recorded murders except the Essequibo Coast, which is traditionally a low crime zone.

Meanwhile, the police are reporting that there is an overall decrease of 10 per cent in serious crimes up to the end of April this year in comparison to last year.

The total number of reports of serious crimes made by April 30 this year was 1268 compared to 1404 at the end of April last year.

Some of the offences

being monitored are murder, robbe r y u n d e r a r m s , robbery with violence, larceny from the person, break and enter and larceny, burglary, rape and kidnapping.

Robbery under arms increased by 19 per cent at the end of April 2012, with 337 reports compared to 284 for the same period in 2011.

The statistics indicate an increase of 10 per cent in the number of armed robberies involving the use of firearms, and a 36 per cent increase in armed robberies where instruments other than firearms were used by the perpetrators.

Teen shot in leg by Community police A 19-year-old Courbane Park, Annandale, East Coast Demerara man is currently nursing gunshot wounds at the Georgetown Public Hospital after he was reportedly shot in the leg by a member of a Community Policing Group.

A police press release yesterday, stated that around 01:00 hours, Leon Jabar, was

shot in the left leg when he was confronted by a rank of the policing group who claimed that the teen had broken into an unoccupied house at the said location.

The release said that Jabar was admitted at GPHC where he is being kept under police guard.

Jabar however claimed something different. He said

that the man who shot him was no policeman. The teen said that he is currently employed as a fisherman on a vessel, but due to an injury

The injured teen: Leon Jabar

he received on the job two weeks ago, he returned to the city.

The man who cried (continued on page 19)

Tuesday May 08, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 7

Bandits shoot, rob City Council Officers protest arbitrary nightspot patrons four per cent deduction from salaries -flee on motorcycle

A wounded Glen Xavier at the Georgetown Hospital Gunmen on a motorcycle shot two nightspot patrons and escaped with an undisclosed sum of cash during a brazen robbery around 21:00 hrs yesterday at the Cornbread Bar on D’urban Street, Werk-enRust.

Irving John, 48, of St. Cuthbert Mission, was shot in the lower abdomen, while Glen Xavier, 32, of Harlem, West Coast Demerara, was shot under the left arm and in the left side of his chest.

According to eyewitnesses, the victims were drinking near the nightspot entrance when two men on a motorcycle stopped outside the premises.

One of the men, who brandished a handgun, entered the nightspot and pointed the firearm at John and Xavier, and demanded their money.

“When one of the bikeboy point the gun, the boy (victim) hesitate and ask ‘What you talking about?’ and the next one sitting on the bike say ‘shoot he, shoot he.’

With that, the gunman opened fire, wounding John and Xavier. The gunshots sent the other patrons scrambling for cover.

“All I hear is two shots, and when I turn round, I see the two boys on the ground, and blood spurting out he ( John’s) belly. They did rolling

and hollering,” the eyewitness said.

“The gunmen stand up watching them lit bit, then they pick up they bag and wallet and walk out to the road. A source said that the victims were carrying a large sum of money.

Kaieteur News understands that the gunmen then clambered onto their motorcycle, but had some trouble getting it started. A patron said that while the bandits were still at the scene, persons attempted to contact the police via the 911 emergency number, which rang out.

“We try contacting the police long, and them men did stand up fixing they bike long, too. If the police did show up, they coulda catch them guys easy, easy,” the patron said.

The robbers eventually managed to start the motorcycle and escape.

According to the patrons, passing motorists refused to take the bleeding victims to the hospital. Eventually, a man who was staying in the nightspot’s upper flat took John and Xavier to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

They were treated at the Accident and Emergency Unit before being taken to the X-ray department. They were subsequently admitted.

The gunmen were still at large at press time.

CGX oil search comes...

From page 3 CGX appointed Dr. Suresh Narine, an independent director of the company as the new Chairman. CGX said that Narine was named in 2011 as one of Canada’s Top 40 Under-40 Leaders, and is originally from Guyana.

Narine, CGX said, has an impressive academic career that includes numerous awards including one in 2011 from the Guyana Government for his contributions to Science and Technology in Canada and for his contributions in this field towards the development of Guyana, received in 2011.

In 2005, Professor Narine accepted a presidential appointment as the Director of Guyana’s Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST), a role which he maintains, together with his academic appointment as Senior Professor at Trent University, his alma mater, in the Departments of Physics and Astronomy and Chemistry and as Director of the Trent Centre for Biomaterials Research.

Several employees of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) took to the streets yesterday with plaque cards in their hands protesting against the uninformed four per cent deduction from their April salaries.

More than 300 Local Government Officers received last month’s salaries with the four per cent deductions and are not in agreement with the manner in which this was done.

At the Regent Street entrance to City Hall yesterday many of these affected workers used their lunch period to protest against the Council’s decision to do so.

They are calling on the M&CC to display accountability and to publicly declare where the deducted monies are being kept presently.

According to one employee, the officers are not disagreeing with having the money deducted from their salaries since this is a lawful act.

However, the workers do not believe that adequate measures have been put in place for the effective management and accountability of the policies and officers’ deposit funds.

“They have talked about the four percent as an officer’s deduction deposit that goes towards savings and this has been done arbitrarily. They did not give the union and the employees a clear understanding as to where this money is going.

We weren’t clear on whether the money was coming from our gross salary, net salary or otherwise but they have gone ahead and deducted the four per cent,” said one of the officers.

Another man added, that the workers have engaged their Union into this matter since they are of the opinion that the M&CC would function better in this aspect with the union’s guidance and input.

“Right now we have our Union pursuing this matter and we are showing objection to this type of behaviour since the City Council ought to show respect to the Union and its workers also.

“You don’t just deduct people’s money and do not say to them where this money will be going. We had previous experience with other past officers that went through similar exercises with deposit of monies and to date they have not recovered those monies.”

A highly upset female employee told Kaieteur News that she is very disappointed with the actions of the M&CC. “Until now the Council

Local Government Officers protesting yesterday at City Hall can’t say where people’s monies are held which is why all of us are objecting today in the strongest possible way.

The council has to communicate with employees and they have a responsibility to communicate effectively with the Guyana Local Government Officers Union (GLGOU),” she pointed out.

Another woman explained that she was employed at City

Council before 1983 and was victim to the same procedure at that time. It was some time in 1999 that she discovered she was getting bank statements from a bank account notifying her that the account was dormant. This account was never opened by her, however; it stated that it was “in care of City Council.”

“When I approached the former town clerk, the (Continued on page 08)

Page 8

Kaieteur News

B’dos PM: Door not closed on REDjet BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Prime Minister Freundel Stuart says his administration has not turned its back on the cashstrapped low budget carrier, REDjet, that halted its services to regional passengers in March.

Speaking at a public meeting of his ruling Democratic Labour Party (DLP) here on Sunday night, Stuart said that there were still some concerns about the airline before the government could consider investing in its operations.

Last month, a senior Barbados government minister said that efforts were being made to have the lowcost carrier resume operations within a two month period.

Trinidad and Tobago has, like Barbados, revoked the licences granted to the carrier that suspended its services to various regional destinations.

Billed as a low-cost, nofrills carrier initially offering fares as low as US$9.99, the privately-owned airline did not give specific reasons for the shutdown, but suggested that it was expecting state assistance to continue operations and blamed “subsidised” competitors for its troubles.

Prime Minister Stuart said

that he has asked the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Darcy Boyce, to secure a copy of the company’s balance sheet so that it could be examined by the government.

He said after such exercise, a determination will be made about the airline as he insisted that it would not be treated as “some cast-off child.

“It is a nationally designated airline and Barbados is not going to resile from that. The movement of visitors through the Caribbean increased during the time that REDjet was in the air and we have no particular interest in frustrating that.

“Barbados has a vested interest in ensuring that people from other parts of the Caribbean visit this country.

Our largest source market for tourism is Britain, our second largest is the United States and our third largest is CARICOM, so we have a vested interest in people being able to get here and get here at economical rates,” he told party supporters.

Stuart said that Barbados pays millions of dollars annually to American Airlines to get that carrier to bring passengers from the United

States to Barbados and vice versa, arguing that his administration cannot in good conscience support the Usbased carries “which does not belong to us, and turn its back on REDjet”.

Last month, St Kitts and Nevis Tourism Minister Richard Skerritt urged regional governments to help the carrier return to the skies.

Skerritt, who is also chairman of the Barbadosbased Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), said that there is a “pent-up” demand for air travel in the region, especially with the spiral cost for regional airlift.

But in March, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves said he had no sympathy for the financial problems facing REDjet.

Gonsalves, who has renewed a call for a regional meeting on aviation, said that he had no intention of getting involved in the any action to save the airline, adding “let me say this, REDjet is privately owned, Caribbean Airlines (CAL) is owned by the governments of Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, LIAT is owned by the governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados and St Vincent and the Grenadines”.

Tuesday May 08, 2012

Former Jamaica PM Patterson denies receiving US$1m from Olint (Jamaica Gleaner) Former Prime Minister of Jamaica P. J. Patterson has denied ever receiving US$1,000,000 from David Smith of Olint.

His comments follow news of a Confiscation Order issued by the Supreme Court of Turks and Caicos that mentions a gift of US$1,000,000 by David Smith to one “P.J Patterson.”

“I deny categorically ever soliciting or receiving any such gift,” Patterson said in a statement a short while ago.

According to Patterson, during the last few days before the 2007 General Elections, he had a telephone conversation with Smith pertaining to reports that in addition to the donations he had already given to both political parties, Smith had made hefty contributions to the Jamaica Labour Party campaign in Central Manchester because he was determined to see the People’s National Party’s (PNP) Peter Bunting defeated.

Patterson says Smith admitted to doing so because he claimed that Bunting had orchestrated the raid on his Kingston offices.

Patterson says Smith also said he had heard that should

the PNP win, Bunting could become the Minister of Finance and he feared that Bunting was out to destroy him. “I told him that to my certain knowledge, Peter Bunting had denied any such involvement and while I was in no position to anticipate where Cabinet members would be assigned, I assured him that in any case, the traditions of the party and the guidelines for Cabinet conduct would not allow any Member to pursue a vendetta or discriminatory treatment against any person or group engaged in business.

Anything done would be in accordance with the law.”

Patterson said Smith expressed great relief with that assurance.

“He stated that he had already made contributions to both parties, but he was disposed to increasing what he had previously given to the Party’s Campaign Fund,” said Patterson.

However, the former Prime Minister said Smith did not disclose to him a specific amount. “I told him that I was not an officer in the Campaign and he was free to contact Comrade Danny Buchanan, the General Secretary and

Campaign Director regarding whatever further contribution he desired to make.”

Patterson says he then informed Buchanan of the conversation and the general secretary promised to speak with Smith.

“I do not know what was the outcome of those discussions and how much more if any was contributed to the coffers of the campaign,” the former Prime Minister said.

Patterson concludes: “What I can assert is that no money came into any account owned or controlled by me nor was there any cheque signed by me, nor did any other financial transaction take place which required or obtained my sanction.”

On August 11 last year, former Olint boss, David Smith, was sentenced to 30 years in prison.

He was accused of operating a ponzi scheme which bilked investors out of more than 200 million US dollars.

Smith had pleaded guilty to four charges of wire fraud, one case of conspiracy to commit money laundering and 18 cases of money laundering.

Mavado found guilty of assault (Jamaica Gleaner) Dancehall Hall star David ‘Mavado’ Brooks was yesterday morning found guilty of assault occasioning bodily harm and malicious destruction of property, when the case against him concluded in the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate’s Court.

The deejay was sentenced to pay a fine of $80,000 or six months in prison on the assault charge, and $20,000 or six months on the charge of destruction of property.

The charge against

Mavado stemmed from an incident on July 22, 2011 when he and members of his entourage reportedly attacked a St James man, identified as Henry Cunningham; and his son, Oshane Cunningham, in what was described as a case of road rage.

During the altercation, the Cunninghams sustained multiple injuries and the vehicle in which they were travelling was damaged.

Following the sentencing, a pitiful-looking Brooks, who had pleaded not guilty to the

Mavado charges, was escorted from the courtroom by police officers and taken to an adjoining holding area.

City Council Officers protest...

From page 7 personnel and the former treasurer had me going around in circles but nobody could have told me where my money is and that is roughly $2.5M for those years.

“To date I received nothing, I received no accountability and I don’t know what happened to my money. They went ahead now to take out another four per cent and I think it is very much wrong. I want to know where my money is.”

Dale Beresford, President of the Guyana Local Government Officers Union, stated that about two months ago, the administration sent a correspondence about the officers’ deposit or insurance and this is in conformity with

section 81 to 89 of the Municipal and District Councils Act Chapter 28.01.

The issue is that the administration has yet to show that it is capable of managing the said programme.

“The officers’ deposit is four per cent, the answers we have asked for and have given 14 days to do so. Is the money coming from our gross, basic or net? We have not been able to get this and we want to know at what time the money will be remitted.

They have also been unable to answer.”

This amounts to $1.6M and will be an average of $20M for the year. Kaieteur News understands that the union has also requested that

the NIS be used as an option for the officers’ deposit or the insurance and these are some of the issues we have ventilated.

“We have six persons who complied in 1983 and these persons only received letters from the bank recently stating that their accounts are dormant and that is after city council has deducted from them every month.”

He further stated that the bank also notified the staff that the insurance premium had elapsed due to the council not paying the premium in a timely fashion.

The Union has said that Town Clerk Yonette PluckCort has promised to notify them of the situation by the end of tomorrow.

Tuesday May 08, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 9

REFORMING GECOM IS EASIER SAID THAN DONE! There have been incessant calls over time for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to be granted greater ‘independence.

It was argued that this independence was particularly urgent in respect to two areas: financial control and political influence in the appointment of Commissioners.

It was contended that because the government holds the purse strings of GECOM it can use this to exercise control over the body. It was further argued that the Commission itself was too ‘political’ in that the political parties made the nominations of Commissioners.

Observer missions have more or less made the same arguments. Following the last elections, there was a call for the reform of GECOM and specifically for a more “professionally-based” Commission and less political appointees.

The constitution of the Guyana Elections Commission is based on what is known as the Carter formula. Under this formula, the ruling party nominates three Commissioners and the Leader of the Opposition does the same after consulting with the other parliamentary opposition parties. The Chairperson is chosen from a list of persons chosen by the Leader of the Opposition, and not objected

to by the President.

The Carter formula still exists and is likely to be maintained well into the next election. While the observer missions have been calling for “ i n d e p e n d e n t ” commissioners, in Guyana this is an almost extinct species.

The call for independent commissioners also shows how out of depth are the observers when it comes to the politics of Guyana.

They do not understand the pressures that are likely to weigh on persons from outside of the political parties who may, in under a new arrangement, be selected as Commissioners.

They do not appreciate the level of suspicion that greets such ‘independent’ appointments.

They are not attuned to the polarization that exists within our society. So divided is Guyana’s society- not just politicsthat even ‘independents’ cannot be trusted to not play their own politics.

The country is so divided that even the well-intentioned fall victim to suspicions once they take a side in a matter.

If for example someone were to suggest that one of GECOM’s commissioners be drawn from the private sector, there are parties in Guyana who will be opposed to this because they will feel that the person will favour one or the other of the parties, depending on who that

Dem boys seh ...

Dem want oil but dem get water Old people seh that nobody should count dem chicken before dem hatch. CGX start fuh drill fuh oil and Bharrat, Rob Bert, Brazzy, Bobby and everybody start fuh clap dem hand. You woulda believe that dem find oil from de way these people was behaving.

De posse announce how dem building de Marriott because when de oil come nuff people gun be coming to Guyana and de Marriott gun kick in. Well dem ain’t get oil. Well dem boys seh that dem ain’t even find hile.

Bharrat and he friends and even Uncle Donald get water.

De hile was fuh Irfaat, Rob Bert, Brazzy and Bobby. And Uncle Donald follow he like a jackass. Was de same Uncle Donald who tell a political meeting that he had to be a jackass.

Dem boys seh that it look like he getting dotish. He get water and he don’t like it. He might get water under he heart if he continue to follow all of dem ol’ higue.

Dem can tek water if dem don’t get hile. Brazzy don’t need none of de two. He got to get lubricant. Is he mek dem people didn’t find hile. And dem blight demself when dem offer he wuk. That is why he lef de privatization unit.

De Waterfalls boss man come back from vacation and that was de news that greet he. He tell everybody that he know that Guyana woulda find oil but it get blight wid some of dem who use to lead and some who still deh round.

Dem ol’ higue who sucking de blood of de people blight de country. Dem boys seh that de Waterfalls boss man know how dem same people cockish and scampish. Is that cockishness and scampishness got CGX drilling fuh water and not oil.

And de Marriott? It look like if de Rat and he friends start counting too soon. Is a good thing dem ain’t start building yet. Dem boys seh that dem better wait.

Talk half and watch fuh de other half.

person is. Civil society is polarized to the point that neutrality is widely and seriously questioned.

As such, despite its shortcomings, the Carter formula remains the only workable model. But it can be tweaked. For example, there can be an amendment to allow for the small parliamentary parties to be guaranteed one of the seats on the Commission.

Under the present arrangement, where all that is needed is consultation, and not even meaningful consultation, the main opposition party can dominate the process of picking the opposition party’s nominations, with the result that the Commission becomes totally polarized between the ruling party and the main opposition.

The opposition parties have however signaled that they would like to see reforms in GECOM. The best place to begin is with the composition

of the Commission. It is anyone’s guess, or perhaps you already know the answer, as to what position the main opposition party will take as regards allowing the smaller parties a nominee.

The second area where reform has been suggested concerns the financing of GECOM. The criticism has long been made that because the government controls the purse strings of the Commission, they can use this to influence the work of the body.

Thus, there have been calls for a mechanism to reduce the control that the government could exercise.

When the AFC recently announced that it would support cuts to the budget of GECOM it said it was doing so in order to prevent the government rushing towards snap elections. In other words the AFC was indicating that it would use its political leverage in parliament to block GECOM from being

able to have snap elections.

Now which is worse? An opposition that can cripple the capacity of the Guyana Elections Commission from operating or a government which can decide how much money GECOM can get? The AFC’s use of the axe to manipulate when elections can be held is definitely more harmful.

It also reveals the contradictory nature of the opposition parties. On the one hand, there are calls for greater independence for GECOM from financial control by the government. On the other hand, we have financial control being exercised by the opposition parties to the extent that even funds set aside for refreshments were cut.

Any elections commission should be in a situation whereby it should freely be able to run- off elections whenever necessary and at very short notice.

Given that the opposition can move a motion of noconfidence in the government in parliament and given that once this is done it triggers certain constitutionallyspecified responses, then the discretionary prerogative of the president to call elections at any time should never be curtailed, legally or administratively.

Yet this is precisely what the AFC was boasting about when it said that it would slash the commitments to GECOM so that snap elections cannot be held.

Not only does the opposition want to control, parliament, but it seems as if it also wishes to dictate when elections can be held. So much for democracy!

Presidential pension package up for Parliament debate Thursday The major Parliamentary opposition party, APNU, would on Thursday pilot a motion calling for a repeal of the contentious Former President’s (Benefits and Other Facilities) Act 2000.

The Act dictates the pension package for former Presidents and was passed in the National Assembly in May, 2009 under the Bharrat Jagdeo administration.

Opposition parties and other interest groups have argued that while former Presidents deserve a comfortable pension, the benefits spelled out in the current Act are excessive.

Under the Act, a former President receives payment in respect of the expenses incurred in the provision and use of water; electricity and telephone services at the place of residence in Guyana; services of personal and household staff, including an attendant and a gardener; services of clerical and technical staff, if requested; free medical attendance and medical treatment or reimbursement of medical expenses incurred by him for the medical attendance or treatment of himself and the dependant members of his family; full-time personal security and services of the Presidential Guard Service at the place of residence; the provision of motor vehicles owned and maintained by the State; toll free road transportation in Guyana; an annual vacation allowance equivalent to the cost of two first class return airfares provided on the same basis as that granted to serving

- APNU wants new package drafted members of the Judiciary; and a tax exemption status identical to that enjoyed by a serving President.

In a motion tabled for discussion on Thursday, Carl Greenidge, of APNU, proposes that the National Assembly immediately take steps to have the legislation repealed without prejudice, however, to the payment of benefits.

He is calling for a Parliamentary Committee to be convened to examine the Pensions (President, Parliamentary and Special Offices) Act, Part II Section 4

(Rate of President and Calculation of Pension 7/8 Ceiling of Pension) and to make proposals for their revision.

Further, Greenidge has proposed that a Special Parliamentary Committee submit as a matter of urgency a revised superannuation benefit package for those persons to whom the Parliamentary and Holders of Special Offices Act applies and for those other categories of employees catered for by other government pensions and arrangement/plans.

Further, the motion calls

for the revised superannuation package to be sent by the Special Parliamentary Committee for consideration and approval by the National Assembly.

In his motion, Greenidge says that the National Assembly should “make appropriate, adequate and reasonable provision for a President to enjoy a comfortable and dignified retirement.”

However, he posited that it should be in the national interest that such provision be made and be related to the capacity of Guyana to support it.

Page 10

Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 08, 2012

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Mr. Henry Greene is finished. He should never have been a policeman with a substantial badge. He was not made of such material.

Greene spent twenty years under the PPP rule, and I doubt very much that past presidents, Burnham, Hoyte and Jagan would have tolerated his excessive and constant indiscretions.

I found it intriguing that one of the factors said to favour Greene was the credibility problem of the complainant.

Be that as it may, Mr. Henry Greene is not without credibility problems too. On trial was not only Greene but then President, Bharrat Jagdeo who made him Commissioner and awarded him an extension of contract for five years beyond his retirement date.

The story of Greene’s American visa as revealed in the Wikileaks cables on Guyana was the boiling point

for his removal.

Nowhere in the world would a public officer be made into the Commissioner of Police when the American Government refused to give him a visa over his alleged involvement in the narcotics trade whether as an assistant, a participant, a silent conspirator or a trafficker himself.

Henry Greene should have been peremptorily dismissed from his security occupation over the visa denial. Surely, one has to be a downright fo o l t o t h i n k some person at the US Embassy in Georgetown didn’t like Greene and sought to victimize him.

The American State Department would not withhold any form of visa to a Commissioner of Police based on hearsay evidence.

It is for this reason that the 10th Parliament as a matter of moral urgency needs to hold a judicial inquiry into the

Jagdeo reign from 2002 to the end of his tenure.

There are tall tales about the long career of Henry Greene, some of which cannot be mentioned here for legal reasons.

But there is one that needs to be described and it is best left to the person who made the allegation against Greene to do so.

Dexter VanVeen is a friend of mine and the cousin of a sports writer of the Kaieteur News, Rawle Welch. At the time Dexter lived one block from me in Wortmanville and Greene was Dexter’s neighbour.

From those days I knew Greene well. He came into my mother-in-law’s supermarket quite often.

Three years ago I sought a comment from him on an alleged statement he made when he referred to President Jagdeo as a great leader.

Public servants, much less a Commissioner of Police

are not inclined to make such open political judgements unless the Government practices paramountcy of the party.

I told him I had his speech on disc and would gladly play it for him. Greene was totally evasive and kept asking me about my old mother-in-law whom he knew so well by buying cooking gas from her shop. He never gave me a response.

My last encounter with Greene left me bitter and there and then I wanted him to be removed as Commissioner of Police. Here is a description of the incident.

When UG was moved to Turkeyen in 1972, the student population was not more than five hundred, if so many.

By that time the Beharry patriarchs had built their home on an estate at the junction of the UG Access Road and the highway.

By 2010, the UG student population had swollen to five

thousand.

With several hundreds of students coming from the upper East Coast Demerara, students catch the shuttle cars at that junction.

The Beharry family put up signs preventing parking on either side of the parapets covering the entire Beharry estate which was about a quarter of a mile going south on the UG Access Road.

It meant students had to walk down the road to catch the shuttle. This was usurpation of the public parapets.

The Sparendaam police station began removing the taxis. I spoke to Greene and he told me that he would allow the shuttle service since the cars were not in violation of any traffic laws.

The next day, the drivers were hauled off to the station.

I went to the officer in charge and he told me that he got his orders from the

Frederick Kissoon Commissioner.

It was clear to me that certain persons made contact with Greene and the shuttle service was removed on his orders.

The students and the drivers, it seemed, had no right to access the parapets that were owned by the State.

The situation was corrected by the intervention of the Ministry of Works but that Ministry failed to turn up in the court when an injunction was sought against the Beharry Company.

Greene should not have been promoted as a police officer. And he should still be charged for rape.

Tuesday May 08, 2012

Page 11

Kaieteur News

Hospital workers sit-in over lack of potable water This moss covered concrete reservoir is the main source of water at the facility.

This rust stained bucket catches the drippings from a pipe in the hospital's compound.

W

orkers at the C C Nicholson Hospital at Nabaclis, East Coast Demerara, downed arms yesterday to protest the lack of potable water at the facility.

The situation reached crisis stage yesterday after the workers received no relief despite after almost two weeks of complaining to the regional health authorities.

The action by the workers at the hospital could impact negatively on the smooth running of the Maternity Clinic scheduled for today.

As a result of the absence of potable water, the workers were forced to limit the number of persons they treat at the facility since they argue that proper sanitation is a major prerequisite for the provision of proper health services.

“We have been treating persons, like hypertensive patients, but we cannot do dressings and for sure we may not be able to deal with the babies tomorrow if this situation is not rectified,” one of the health workers said.

When Kaieteur News visited the hospital yesterday, it was observed that the pipe fittings that bring water to the main building were loose and water was flooding the yard.

The reservoir which holds water that is subsequently pumped to the

overhead tanks was in a deplorable state for want of cleaning.

A rust-stained bucket was also seen catching the drips of water from one of the taps in the compound.

According to the workers, the situation has been like this for months, worsening in the past two weeks when the pipe fittings became loose.

They claimed that the regional authorities were informed about the situation two weeks ago but all they did was to come and assess the situation.

“They sent two men and they just come and look around and go away,” one of the workers told this newspaper.

Kaieteur News tried unsuccessfully to contact regional officials.

This newspaper was told that the Regional Health

Officer was attending a seminar and was not available for comment.

The workers were loud in their praise for the District Medical Officer who they said has been doing her best to remedy the situation.

“All she could do is report the situation. We know that she keeps calling the higher authorities, they are the people who are responsible for this,” another worker declared.

This newspaper was informed that late yesterday afternoon another inspection of the hospital's water system was carried out but no work was done, and it is unclear when this will materialize.

The workers said that in the interim they have been forced to fetch water with buckets from the nearby nursery school and also rely on liquid hand sanitizers, which they claim is

inadequate for the type of work that they are mandated to do.

“We can't do anything without water. If we have a delivery now, we have to refer them to Georgetown.

We can't do no dressing, no baby clinic,” a worker said.

Today, the hospital is scheduled to accommodate more than 80 maternal patients.

“All they talking about is the budget cut. But the health

sector got their full share and still they coming up short in the service they are providing to members of the public,” a resident of the area was turned away yesterday.

The workers are calling on the regional health authorities to employ a handyman for the facility so that health workers could focus on providing the service they are paid to provide.

Page 14

Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 08, 2012

Tuesday May 08, 2012

WANTED One cook, must know to cook Roti & Puri. Call 6477432

Kaieteur News

LEARN TO DRIVE B&C Driving School. Pickup & drop off. Contact 2250150, 680-6826, 229-7258

Driver to work day only in a taxi service. #227-6567 Live in domestic. Light duties. 1 skilled Lathe Operator. Live-in Handyman duties.

Excellent remuneration. Tel: 227-1830 1 male/female shop assistant to work in the interior # 688-0197 Live-in domestic must know to cook and 1 waitress, salary 50,000 monthly.

Call:610-5043 Persons/family to live & take care of farm @ E.C.D, attractive salary offered.

Contact: 690-1943, 691-8021 Two male shop assistants to work in Georgetown & the interior, serious enquiries only. Call: 225-2940, 225-0305 Urgently: chainsaw operator to work in the interior. Call: 626-0006, 231-3159 Live in attractive waitress contact 228- 5129 1 Tutor to teach Form 1, apply Bissan’s Trading, 94 King Street. Call: 227-7306 1 handyman to work. Living accommodation and meals free. 628-1756, 228-5655 1 handy boy to work in the interior #688-0197 Lorry drivers to work Labour lorry at L.B.I Estate.

628-1756, 228-5655 Manager’s Assistant general duties including Custom and Bond, Security Guards, accommodation available. Call: 676-6700 Experienced sales representatives. Apply Wieting & Richter Ltd Female workers needed, 3 subjects or sound secondary education call 225- 7307 1 Lumber yard labourer call 226- 3736 Experienced Welder/Fitter.

Apply Wieting & Richter Ltd One (1) general worker shift system 266-5243 Sales supervisor with experience & computer knowledge. Apply Wieting & Richter Ltd. Honest/Experienced sales clerk. Apply with written application Nanda’s Boutique, 223 Camp St. Tel 226-1621

SERVICES Permanent &Visitors Visa Applications Professional Immigration Consultant Room E-4 Maraj Building 225-6496/662-6045.

Supreme Repairs. All wiring, fridge, washer (AC), freezers, dryer, ect. Tel: 629-8136, 6532719 US & Canada VISA application services. Call 643-6630. Family discounts available.

WANTED Contract cars. Must be in Hire & Yellow. Base free. $3500 weekly. Call 660-9977 Experienced dispatchers, must be computer literate.

Contact Leroy on 639-7773 or 231-4110 Upholsters, joiners, spray painter, handyman Tel# 2256810, 660-5190, 657-2790 Salesgirl and boy to work in shop on ECD. Text or call: 615-8121

Now open KDRS Pharmacy at Mon Repos Mall 220-8675 nutritionist available every Saturday We refill HP cartridges for $1,800. Call:650-7699 CVs, applications, typing, etc. Tel: 667-1549 House plan drafting for only $10,000. Building estimate for only $10,000. Call 6949843

Contract cars for BrazilGuyana Taxi Service. Tel: 2253234 Full time gardener/ handyman reference needed.

Call: 226-0240, 225-3557 1 driver to drive in the interior.

Must have bus and canter license. Tel# 688-0197 Drivers with lorry licence.

Apply Wieting & Richter Ltd Labourers and Porters.

Apply Wieting & Richter Ltd 1 female pastry maker/ cook. Ages 25-35 starting salary $60,000. Phone 6968418 Sales representatives, country wide, for musical CD original. Tel: 267-1565, 6788193

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Carpenter with own tools.

Apply at Guyana Variety Store, 68 Robb Street. Tel no.

225-4631 1 female storekeeper. Must be computer literate. 1 female Bahir to work in the interior.

Call: 231-3159, 626-0006

VACANCY

FOR SALE

Needed: 1 male office assistant with some knowledge of accounts.

Contact 684-7516, 226-3799

One Hilux Vigo (new) GNN series 231-5171, 619-7134

Kitchen assistant @ Charlestown- ages 18-35.

Call: 614-1020 Two domestics for Bacanas Hotel, Charlotte St., between Oronoque & Albert. Call: 6807294 One Driver & one Salesman at Humphrey’s Bakery & Farm Products Ltd. Tel 2257864 Experienced Hair Dresser at Nalline Beauty Salon, Vreeden-Hoop Junction (Raymond Building).

Attractive salary. Contact: 687-3341, 639-9884 Be part of our world class customer care team. Join us now! Phone: 220-0401-3 Vacancy exists for 3 guards, 2 males and 1 female, and a Mechanic for TM Trucks.

Call: 642-0176, 699-4483 One driver needed with at least (5) years experience.

Requirements CXC subjects, driver’s license & police clearance.

Craig $5.5M, East Coast $10M, Farm $12M, Guyhoc Park $12M, Alberttown (Land) $24M, Diana 2272256, 626-9382 Nandy Park $25M, Queenstown $35M, Prashad Nagar $33M, Kitty $32M, Bel-Air $40M, Diana 2272256, 626-9382

CAR RENTAL Progressive auto rental, cars from $4,000 per day. Call: 6435122, 656-0087, www.progressiveautorental.com Premio, 110 Corolla. Call: 6797139

Al’s Car & Pick-up Rental.

Call: 698-7807 SALON Make up courses, artist trained & certified in Trinidad: 660-5257,647-1773

Experienced Excavator Operator, Jet Men, Pit Men, Marak Man, Saw Man. Please call: 684-6356

DRESS MAKING

1 female to wash. Come in person to Dian’s Delli. Bar St., Kitty, opposite Kitty Market.

Bridesmaid dresses, working uniforms, made professionally. Sharmela 2252598, 641-0784

One general domestic.

Contact: 616-0335. Between 8am to 5pm.

6 weeks designing/sewing classes. Sharmela 225-2598, 641-0784

15-15-15 fertilizer. Call: 2662711, 609-4594 2x2x1.5MM, Hollow section $4500 VAT inclusive. Call: 2200-6100, 680-5900 Peking ducks, call: 266-2711 / 609-4594 Quality upholstery materials tel # 220-3356/643-3627 Moulders, multirip saws, resaws, cross cut saw and genset Tel 616-5595 Rodney Titan parts, engine DIFF etc.

Call:648-2075 Used: QSC Amps MX2000 & MX3000, Roland sampler SP404, Rcf speaker: 12" & 18", celestion speaker: 15".

Contact: 644-3390 One ERF Hauler with 45 ft trailer (in-contract) & one Model M Truck. Tel: 6534455

New Air Brush Kit, gun, hose, compressor $35,000.

592-643-5720

First Choice Car Rental cars $5,000-7,000 per day 6680306, 225-6337

Qualify yourself in Cosmetology or nails, make up, Register, Limited spaces.

Call Abby: 216-1950, 6197603, 666-5241

Toyota Starlet 2 E Turbo engine with gearbox and ECU: Call: 624-7155.

NARS lipgloss, eyeshadow & Clinique Chubby Stick. Tel: 669-8374.

1 Mitsubishi Fuso truck, 4 ton enclosed, 20 feet, new $5.2M. Call Salim 641-5075, 622-6746

20 X 40 two flat concrete building @ Kitty. All amenities. Price $28 M Call: 668 – 9512, 223- 2570

Experienced sewing machine operators. Tele no.: 220-4337 Waitresses @ Diamond Gate Liquor Restaurant and Bar, Lot 18 Belmont Mahaica.

Tel# 228-5013, 622-5599

Page 15

Roofing shingles. Call: Mr. Skepmire . 227-5195 (8am to 5pm) Yamaha outboard engine parts for 115HP-200 HP, Crankshaft fat & fine top, pistons, bearings. Call: Terry665-9405 1 vehicle (Ipsum) in good condition. Call: 225-8673, 600-7448 15ft Fiber glass boat $170,000 call: 260-0301, 685-1233 1 New Centurion Generator $175,000. 1 Frigidaire freezer $115,000. 1 Kitchen Aid Stainless fridge $140,000. 1 Samsung Microwave $12,500. Tel 694-5371

MASSAGE Relax your mind and body with a massage 622-6256

Sale Sale Sale on all zinc sheets 40% off. All lumber 30% off. All pine lumber 8% off. Tel: 226-7054

American Style Massage Service. Call 609-4036

Dell computers, complete with 19" LCD, from $69,000.

Future Tech. Call 231-2206, 644-6760

ACCOMMODATION Signature Inn Luxury Suites & Apartments 83 Laluni Street, Queenstown. Call for reservations 226-2145, 2275037

Now in stock, solar panel, 180 watts, at Trophy Stall, Bourda Market. 225-9230 Baby chicks available weekly.

Fully vaccinated. 371 Craig Public Road, EBD. Mr D Lallbeharry. Tel: 626-9589 1 240 Massey Ferguson Tractor. 687-6176

VEHICLES FOR SALE 99 Honda Civic Leather interior. Call:648-2075 Just arrived: Allion and Premio, tel: 624-2000, 6221610 Leading Auto. Unregistered Allion, Premio, Allex, Runx, Verossa, Avensis, 2 ton Canter, 212. Tel: 677-7666, 610-7666 Verossa PNN. Call:665-3067, 228-2609 2 Raum, 1 Pit Bull contact 663 – 9727, 609 6458 1 Nissan Cube ( like Raum) PMM 1088, 1.350 M Neg. call 233 – 5557, 610 -1309 1 RZ Mini bus series BKK. Call: 667-9629 2 – two ton canter, one enclosed. Good condition.

Price $800,000 & $1.2m negotiable. 1 tapir price $160,000 negotiable.

Contact# 253-3349 2007 Toyota Allion W/TV/ DVD & 2007 Toyota Axio.

Tel: 615-4114 w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / rashanautosaleslimited Unregistered Premio & Allion with TV, mags, back Cam. Call: 609-8188, 6026307 2005 H2 Hummer, 38,500 mileage fully loaded, chrome kit etc. Call: 6393100, 619-5400 2005 Toyota Belta with TV/ CD & 2003 Toyota Premio & 2004 Avensis Tel: 615-4114 w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / rashanautosales 1 PMM series Toyota Raum, fully loaded 639-7773, 2335383 Hilux 4x4 solid def pick-up, diesel, long base, excellent condition Call: 623-0243 1 special edition Toyota Runx PNN. 2 Nissan Wingroad Wagon. Tel: 6122522 Corolla Fielder just registered, AT 170 Carina.

Price negotiable. Call 6149623 One Toyota RZ Longbase EFI, hardly used BKK series $1.6M. Call: Rocky 621-5902 Lexus LS400/Luxury, BMW 740IL/Luxury, BMW 635CSI/ Sports. Bring mechanic, make offer. Call: 612-1486, 646-8326 One EP71 Starlet, 1 AE91 Sprinter, Toyota Ceres & Fun Cargo, 1 Nissan Pathfinder PMM, 1 Honda Fit 2004. Call: 644-5096, 6971453 FOR SALE 1 dragline 10RB. 687-6174 (Continued on page 20)

Page 16

Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 08, 2012

Guyana will not sacrifice rice, sugar for oil - President Ramotar

By Leonard Gildarie As Guyana continues its off-shore search for oil in commercial quantities, President Donald Ramotar has warned that the country will not be sacrificing its other industries.

The Head of State also made it clear, yesterday, that his administration is not prepared to make the same mistakes as other oilproducing countries whose dependence on the proceeds has been known to create financial woes when the price drops.

Ramotar was speaking during the start of major course for government technicians in the oil and gas industry, at the Regency Hotel, Hadfield Street, just hours before the CGX Energy, which is drilling off Corentyne, Berbice, announced that it has not found oil in any commercial quantities.

CGX also has 25 per cent stakes in the Jaguar 1 well being drilled offshore Georgetown. That drilling which started in February was expected to last 180 days.

The training of the 20-odd technicians is more than timely at this time, the President told the gathering that included several heads of government agencies and included representatives from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Guyana Energy Authority (GEA), Guyana Oil Company (GuyOil), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Ministry of Natural

Resources and the Environment.

Acknowledging that mining remains one of the biggest industries of the world, the official said that Guyana will be moving to introduce similar courses.

But Guyana, while needing technicians, will also have to pay heed to the business side of the oil industry. “…It is a huge business.

We are at a disadvantage and advantage in this regards.

Disadvantaged- because we don’t have a large body of skills at the moment, but advantaged too because we don’t have to start at the beginning and we do not have to make the same mistakes that other countries have made.

“We should try to learn and study the experiences of other oil-producing countries.” These, he noted, should include the best practices.

“DUTCH DISEASE” Admitting that the oil industry is a highly attractive one, President Ramotar stressed that it also comes with the negative sides. These include the “Dutch disease” where workers are lured to a field to the detriment of the other sectors.

“It can (also) push up the value of the dollar making it more expensive to export goods and services. The government, too, must learn how to deal with it. We have moved to broaden the base of economy and there was a

President Donald Ramotar yesterday addressing the start of a five-day training in oil and gas for workers of a number of government agencies. time when the dependence was on sugar, rice and bauxite. We must do our best that we do not fall into that situation where we are totally dependent on oil.”

With oil prices, like any commodity, subject to rise and fall, Guyana must now more than ever guard against depending on the industry too much.

“Oil prices are now over US$120 per barrel, a far cry from 1992 when it was US$5 per barrel. “…We have to avoid the economy going back to a narrow dependence on only one product. All of that tells a lot, a big challenge for all of us in our society because we would like to see every sector of our country develop.”

Ramotar insisted that his administration will continue placing emphasis on agriculture, processing and manufacturing.

“And they should try to ensure that there is a good balance and good coordination between all of these sectors so that all can grow and not one at the expense of others.

“There must be development so that we can be at the centre and not at the periphery. In the final analysis, ordinary people must benefit.”

INTEREST IN MINING The Head of State also disclosed that huge interest continues to be coming from the international community in the country’s mining sector

Mahdia in crisis …

REO claims of vandalism to water system seek to criminalize miners - Regional officials The recent claims of Regional Executive Officer for Region Eight, Ronald Harsaywack, about pipeline in Mahdia being vandalized have not gone down well with authorities and residents of the mining community.

During an interview with some residents of the community over the weekend, it was noted that the recent claims by the REO seek to criminalize miners. One of the Councilors of the region, Mr. Juan Hunter, said that Harsaywack’s claims of vandalism were baseless.

Subsequent investigation revealed that the claims were misleading and dishonest.

“The REO mobilized regional resources; he did not inform the Regional Chairman neither did he inform the councilors. And to top it off even after his visit to Salbora he did not inform the police

A section of the pipe line at Salbora, Region 8 which the REO claimed was vandalized.

with a number of agreements already concluded.

“Mining as a part of the GDP has been growing steadily over the years.

Tremendous experience has been gained in a number of areas. Guyana has some experienced persons in bauxite and gold,” he said.

According to Ramotar, a US publication named Guyana as a country that will emerge as one of the major oil producing countries in the next 10 years. “Therefore, there is a lot of optimism that we will discover oil in our area and hopefully in the not too distant future. And I think that this event (training) is therefore long overdue.

“And I think we should have been preparing ourselves even before for the eventuality of us finding oil and to deal with that situation. Better late than never.”

Also addressing the gathering was Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud, who revealed that the training was initiated after Minexco Petroleum, during a meeting with the President had accepted a challenge to provide the course titled, “The five-day MBA in Oil & Gas”.

The training is being facilitated by Warren Business Consultants, a London-based management

consulting and business training company providing strategic services to the energy industry, primarily in the oil and gas sector.

Minexco, he said, has done similar work in West Africa with countries there recently starting to produce oil in commercial quantities and the idea is to use the experience there to benefit Guyana. Several officials from Minexco, including its President, Efroyim Hecht, were also at the training.

Guyana is now moving to open its own mining school, set to be established in Linden, Region Ten, and will incorporate similar courses, the Minister said.

“The intention is for Guyana to develop local capacity, learn and create synergies with external knowledge and develop this type of relationship. At the end of the day, nurturing Guyanese to tap into the potential we know we have in the oil and gas sector.

“Training is just one component.”

Guyana has already started to engage a number of international entities and was last week presented with the first report of the Commonwealth Secretariat, at the behest of government, had examined the petroleum sector reform, including critical areas like legislations and regulations”.

Helping the Blood Bank about the ‘vandalism’.

However this publication was told that instead of meeting with other regional officials to inform them of the situation and come up with a possible solution, the REO contacted Central Government and made a

request for some $2M to fix the problem. Hunter said that the councilors are not pleased with the way the matter was handled and that he does not intend to sit by and let the REO continue in this vein.

“The council in this region

must be given an opportunity to investigate anything that happens in this region before Central Government is approached; the REO misled and lied to the council when he said the pipes were stolen,” (continued on page 18)

A blood drive by members of the Aurora youth group attracted a large number of potential donors yesterday.

The aim was to boost the level in the Blood Bank.

The event was held at the Aurora health centre.

To support the effort businessman, Wazeer Hussain, of Aurora, donated

a quantity of Smalta, while former Member of Parliament, Farouk Khan, donated water and biscuits to the volunteers.

Many potential donors were rejected after they were screened by doctors from the Suddie Public Hospital.

The activity was a first of its kind for the youth group.

Tuesday May 08, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 17

Photographer freed on Wales estate worker causing death, DUI charges killed in car accident Charges against photographer, Delano Williams who in June last reportedly caused the death of a 35-year-old truck driver, Sewcharran Persaud Ugraj, by driving his vehicle dangerously, were yesterday dismissed.

Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine- Beharry upheld a no case submission by the defendant’s lawyer, Nigel Hughes.

On June 28, 2011, Williams who resides at 260 Middle Street, North Cummingsburg, was charged for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) and for reportedly driving motorcar PMM 1094 in such a manner that it was dangerous to the public. As a result of his actions Williams caused the death of Ugraj who resided at Lot 126 Mon Repos Pasture, East Coast Demerara, the police said.

Reports were that on the day in question, the accused had just left Buddy’s Night Club on Sheriff Street and was heading north. Williams lost control of his car which swerved into Ugraj who was standing on the eastern side of the roadway.

The deceased was reportedly hurled a few feet away from the point of impact and died. Williams and his car landed in the trench at the intersection of Pike and Sheriff Streets. A post mortem examination which was conducted one day after the tragedy revealed that Sewcharran had died from multiple injuries, broken leg, neck, skull and foot.

The prosecutor at that time, Vishnu Hunte, had said that Ugraj was pronounced

Delano Williams dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, and as a result, an investigation was carried out. Two breathalyzer tests were conducted on the accused.

The prosecutor continued that the initial test provided evidence that Williams had 139% blood alcohol content (BAC) and the other showed that he had 136% BAC in his system. The prosecution had objected to bail citing the seriousness and prevalence of the offence.

The prosecution’s application was however unsuccessful since bail was secured by Hughes who had argued in defense of his client that the seriousness of the offence was not a reason to oppose bail. He claimed that Williams was willing to surrender his passport should bail be granted and Williams was thus placed on $350,000 bail for the charge of dangerous driving causing death and $50,000 for the DUI charge.

Ever since Williams had

Destitute charged with murdering US-based Guyanese Police have charged a destitute man for the murder of US-based Guyanese, Walter Sankar, who died last Saturday from a brutal beating with a length of galvanized pipe.

The accused, 42-year-old Patrick Leonard, was remanded to prison yesterday after appearing in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. The accused, who has no fixed place of abode, is to return to court tomorrow.

According to reports, Sankar, 69, was in a shop in Fort Street, Kingston, last Wednesday, when Leonard, a destitute who roams the seawalls, struck him repeatedly in the head with the galvanized pipe.

The injured man succumbed three days later at the Woodlands Hospital. The Brooklyn resident had returned to Guyana on Boxing Day 2011 for the first time in

Dead: Walter Sankar 15 years to spend some time with his two sons, the only two of this five children residing in Guyana.

Leonard was arrested and taken to the Brickdam Police Station before being transferred to the Grove Police Station.

been appearing in court, numerous dates had been given and witnesses in the matter kept failing to show up in court. Police witnesses it was understood had to produce themselves in the matter but had failed to do so.

Kaieteur News also understood that two preemptory dates were given for the prosecution to get their witnesses and produce them.

However on yesterday’s date only three witnesses had taken the stand; some of them were the family of the deceased.

The dead man’s wife and father had taken to the stand.

But their testimony was not enough to convict the accused. The prosecution was ordered to close its case since the matter had been dragging on for a while, taking up the much needed judicial time.

Subsequently, Hughes submitted that his client had no case to answer and the court agreed.

Williams then had both charges dismissed against him.

This revelation however, did not go well with the family of the deceased. Ugraj’s mother, Ramrattie Ugraj, burst into tears. While exiting the courtroom, the woman continuously yelled that she wanted justice. “Is this justice?

What kind of court is this? I want justice for my son.”

The woman stood outside the court for some time venting her spleen while her relatives tried to pacify her. The Magistrate then had the woman returned to the court and offered an explanation for the decision.

Meanwhile, Williams and his relatives sat quietly on the court bench as the dead man’s family related their dissatisfaction towards the ruling. The Magistrate however informed the court that the ruling was based on what was presented to her by the prosecution and as the family sought to reveal to the court what they knew about the incident, the Magistrate had to inform them that the police had not presented certain information to her and she therefore could not cloud her judgment with information that she never received.

The mother was still not convinced. She grabbed her relatives saying, “Let’s leave this place we have no justice to get. He gon go out there and kill somebody else son.”

In a previous interview with Kaieteur News Mr. Ugraj, the dead man’s father had said that Williams’s family had offered a settlement of millions to end the matter, but no amount the father said, can compensate them for their loss.

- Taxi driver nabbed after fleeing scene A taxi driver is currently in police custody following the death of one man and the hospitalization of another following an accident on the Patentia Public Road on Sunday evening.

According to reports, 51year-old Prem Sookdeo of Patentia, West Bank Demerara, died while receiving treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital at around 03:00 hours yesterday. The other man has been identified as Michael Alleyne who was up to press time yesterday, still receiving treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The dead man’s son, Charandeo Sookdeo, said that the incident occurred at around 20:30 hours. Sookdeo Jnr. said that he received a telephone call at around 20:35 hours on Sunday informing him that his father was involved in an accident.

According to Sookdeo, his father was riding on the right hand side of the road while the other man was on

the left, and the car HB 2098 was heading toward the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

This publication was told that immediately after the accident the car fled the scene without stopping to render assistance. He was later nabbed several villages away from where the accident occurred. The car has since been impounded at the Wales Police Station.

“From what I hear the car hit the man on the left hand side first and then swerve out and hit my father who was riding on the right hand side.”

“When I went out to the public road I see me father and another man lying on the road in blood so we took a car and take him to Best (West Demerara Regional).”

At that hospital Sookdeo said his father and Alleyne were treated and subsequently transferred because of the severity of their injuries.

At the Georgetown Public Hospital, Sookdeo said the doctors did their best with his father who was bleeding

Dead: 51 year-old Prem Sookdeo profusely from his legs.

“They really tried with him: they do all they could but at around 03:00 hours they come outside and tell we that he ain’t mek it.”

The now dead Sookdeo was employed at the Wales Estate as a general staff.

Up to press time yesterday the driver of the car was still in police custody assisting with investigations.

Police investigate allegations against Neighbourhood Police Police are investigating allegations of sexual assault by a member of the Neighbourhood Policing Group, stationed at Lenora Police Station.

The victim identified as Shellyza Ally, of Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara, visited the Ministry of Human Services yesterday and was told to visit Eve Leary Police Station where she was told that she will be contacted since police are investigating.

The man had claimed to be working with the Anna Catherina Policing Group, however, sources from that group said that the man who is well known for sexual assaults against women is attached to the Leonora Police Station, and is a member of the Neighbourhood police.

The perpetrator was identified as Raymond Hack.

He has not been arrested as yet.

“This man does get away with things like this a lot; the police assist him. There needs to be a proper investigation,” According to reports, the man confronted Mrs Ally on Friday about family-related issues. He then attacked the woman while she was driving out her street. He reportedly dealt her several blows to the face and ripped off her head scarf (kemar) before tearing off her top and bra.

Shellyza Ally Shellyza Ally explained that on Friday her husband’s aunt visited her residence.

Later that day, her aunt’s stepson called her landline phone and began to use abusive and explicit words toward her. She later cut off the phone.

“The phone ring about four times again and I didn’t pick it up because I saw on the caller’s ID that it was the same person calling. He left a message on the phone saying, ‘Shelly you are a whore just like your aunt,” Ms Ally lamented.

She then left to visit the Leonora Police Station. Ally said that on her way, as she was driving through the street in her vehicle she was confronted by the same caller who is well known in the Anna Catherina Policing group.

“While driving to the

police station there was my aunt stepson on a bicycle coming towards me. When he ride in front of my car I had to stop.”

Mrs Ally explained that the man then walked toward her vehicle and started slapping her in the face several times, then ripped off her kemar, top and bra in the process.

“I was yelling ‘help’, and no one was coming forward to help me, and he was saying that he would kill me. But a junkie hold him back then I escaped through the front passenger seat. Only then people started to assist me and carry me in a yard where I got another top to wear.”

Adding that she called her husband after the ordeal, Mrs Ally said they then visited the Leonora Police Station where she was insulted by a female police rank and told to leave the police station because she was crying.

“She told me I can’t cry in the place and I have to get outside. She told me I can’t sit inside the police station and that I have to go outside.

I saw the man who is with the policing group and who beat me up in the station and the female police told him to go get a pen and write his own statement…

“She then started yelling at me when I had to give a statement and she told my family to go outside.”

Page 18

Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 08, 2012

Another murder accused freed in Magistrate’s court Following no case submissions by Attorney at Law Mursaliene Bacchus, murder accused Sevak Rampersaud on Monday, had his case discharged by Magistrate Adela Nagamootoo in the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s court.

Rampersaud, called Suresh Persaud, 37, a taxi driver of 54 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice, was charged in September 2011 with the murder of his paramour, Verone Patoir, on the 20th May 2011.

Patoir, 40, a mother of three of Lot 42 Mudflat, Stanleytown, New Amsterdam was allegedly involved in an abusive relationship and was allegedly brutally murdered by her paramour at her residence.

Attorney at Law Bacchus, in his submission, stated that the circumstantial evidence put forward by the prosecution was not enough.

He stated that the evidence did not meet the threshold that is required in law. The attorney also quoted six legal

Verone Patoir authorities to support his submissions.

He stated that although there were some statements that the car of the accused was parked in the area, no one gave evidence that he entered or left the house. He further stated that there was no evidence of the time of death.

Over a dozen persons testified on behalf of the

prosecution including the daughters of the accused.

It was understood that either a heavy or sharp object was used to bludgeon the woman’s head and slit her throat. Investigators had reportedly recovered some implements including a bloodied knife from the scene of the crime.

A Post Mortem by Dr Vivekananda Brijmohan at the New Amsterdam hospital gave the cause of death as shock and hemorrhage due to multiple Injuries and a fractured skull.

Rampersaud was arrested and locked up for a number of days soon after the crime.

A motion of Habeas Corpus was filed by Mr. Bacchus in the High Court, and the man was released soon after on $200,000 station bail.

A file was subsequently prepared and sent to the office of the DPP which advised that the man be charged with the capital offence. He was charged almost four months after.

REO claims of vandalism to ...

From page 16 Hunter lamented.

He added that the facts were brought to light when another councilor, Mohamed Gafoor, who is also on the Works Committee for the Region, visited the site.

Gafoor who also spoke with this publication said that the disruption in the water system was a clear case of negligence of the engineer who did the last set of remedial works.

“I visited the area and no pipe is missing and being on the

Works Committee I did my own assessment of the repair works needed to fix the situation. It will only cost some $200,000.

We have been dealing with the water system for years,” Gafoor said.

Gafoor further questioned the motive of the REO. “We will not accept or tolerate any form of corruption in this region. We are looking for development and we are the elected people of this region.

How can the REO make a request from Central Government

without the Chairman or the council not knowing?

“We are the people on the ground and we know what is needed in this region.”

Meanwhile residents of the community have said that they are not pleased with the statements which made the newspapers. The residents, many of whom are miners, said that it was their hard labour that brought Mahdia to the state it is today.

They questioned why they would sabotage the water system when they depend on the same system.

The woman, who was originally from an Amerindian settlement in Region Ten. One of Patoir’s daughters had returned home and discovered the bloodied body of her mother lying lifeless in the hallway of their home at 42 Mudflat, Stanleytown , New Amsterdam, Berbice.

She had told the media then that upon leaving home on the day in question for school she had seen the accused in his hire car with some other persons inside parked a short distance away.

She had returned home around 14:55hrs, to find the back door ajar and on entering the house she saw her mother’s bloodied body. Her face was battered, the hair from her head was uprooted, revealing the scalp, and the throat was slit.

A bloodied rolling pin was also removed from the scene.

Drug accused remanded A man, who was reportedly found hiding underneath a bed with a quantity of cannabis and cash at his Lot 276 West Ruimveldt home, was remanded to jail yesterday when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Beharry for narcotics possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Thirty-six-year-old Sherwin Duncan was reportedly found with 3.052 kilograms of cannabis in his possession when Customs Anti- Narcotics Unit (CANU) officers executing a search exercise found the man and dragged him from underneath the bed.

CANU prosecutor Donald Downer opposed bail.

The prosecutor told the court that on May 4 around 18:30 hours, ranks from CANU acting on information went to the home of the defendant. As the officers

… was hiding under bed with cash and drugs exited their vehicles, Downer said they noticed the defendant running up a flight of stairs leading to the upper flat of the house.

The drug ranks reportedly pursued Duncan and the chase led them to a bedroom in the upper flat of the building. The defendant, the prosecutor continued, was found hiding under the bed from which he was pulled out.

Along with the defendant, a quantity of cash and a bag containing leaves, seeds and stems of the suspected marijuana were discovered.

The man was arrested, told of the offence and subsequently charged. The court remanded Duncan to jail until Thursday.

Suspect in No. 70 Village murder surrenders The suspect in the murder of 17- year- old Sasenarine ‘Suraj’ Persaud surrendered last Wednesday evening at the Whim Police Station, Corentyne. The suspect, ‘Sham’ (only name given) surrendered in the presence of his lawyer that evening and was later arrested and taken to the Springlands Police Station where he was interrogated.

According to Persaud’s mother, Vijaiyantimala ‘Mala’ Somai, she was called in on Thursday for an identification parade and positively

identified ‘Sham’ at the Springlands Police Station.

“When they bring he in, he started to beg me and apologise and I asked him why he chopped my son and he put his head down and he was shaking his head steady like he was sorry,” the woman said.

She said that the suspect denied chopping the boy. She asked for a moment alone with the suspect and she asked him “why he lied”. She said the suspect said that “he was sorry and was crying and said that he couldn’t help it”.

Meanwhile, the other suspect, who had slit his throat shortly after the incident and became a patient at the New Amsterdam Hospital has since been released. Both suspects are in the remand section of the New Amsterdam Prisons.

Persaud was allegedly chopped and stabbed by the two men two Sundays ago at Number 70 Village, Corriverton after Persaud tried to intervene and prevent the two men from beating up his stepfather Notan ‘Naresh’ Persaud Roopnarine.

Garbage problems hit Bartica

Bartica’s current extremely overused garbage dumpsite on the Byderabo back road continues to pose

a dangerous environmental hazard. On Sunday a private entity in collaboration with the local N.D.C., attempted to

remove the unsightly refuse.

The situation had been described as “an unhygienic time bomb.” The residents

said that a new dumpsite has been identified but until then there will be the continued dumping at the present site.

Tuesday May 08, 2012

Kaieteur News

The Abigail Column Too late to tell best friend of feelings

DEARABIGAIL, A couple of years ago, my best friend confessed she had “those” kinds of feelings for me. Though I cherished her more than anyone, I wasn’t ready for a romantic relationship with her.

About six months later she wound up with a partner, and the two of them are

contentedly together.

Meanwhile, I have realised that I have no feelings for my boy friend and that I made a mistake in shrugging her off.

Is it bad for me to let her know how I feel while she’s still with her partner?

Confused Dear Confused, In polite society, people with integrity don’t interfere with other people’s romantic relationships.

However, this sort of

personal integrity presents challenges - while at the same time unleashing simmering romantic tension.

Split the difference between declaring yourself outright and doing nothing.

Ask your friend how she feels about her current relationship. If she expresses a version of “I’m still waiting for you to come around,” then tell her you regret rejecting her previously.

Let her figure out what to do about it.

Tuesday May 08, 2012 ARIES (MARCH 21 APRIL 19): You will be passionately enthusiastic about almost everything which interests you today, whether it has romantic overtones or not.

Your pet projects will get a little bit of a push, and friendships will be even more amiable than usual. ************************************* TAURUS (APRIL 20 MAY 20): Maybe you won't be too self-disciplined, but as long as you're not trying to get anything too solid done, then the sparkling influences around should do you the world of good. ************************************* GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUNE 20): You've got a little bit more of a twinkle in your eye. This can mean you are off to make mischief but you can also push ahead with your favourite projects and sweep others up in your enthusiasm. ************************************* CANCER (JUNE 21 JULY 22): This is a time when you need to let your affections be seen. Don't hold back.

The lighter-hearted side of life is well starred. It may not be deeply significant but it should keep you entertained. ************************************* LEO (JULY 23 - AUG. 22): You may not be very practical but you will certainly be charming all the right people in all the right places. Flattery will get you almost anywhere.

The right people will be impressed by your dynamic approach, so you should see some gratifying results. ************************************* VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEPT. 22): Today will be good for anything sexy, creative or affectionate. You will want to get on well with other people. Just watch your love life. You may go sailing into flirtations, then later you wonder whether it was such a hot idea.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23 - OCT. 22): Try to express what you really feel and what you want.

Being too reserved will not pay off now. If you don't ask you may not get. Fortune will favour the brave. In the past you may have missed chances because you were scared of being turned down. ************************************* SCORPIO (OCT. 23 NOV. 21): If you are attracted to someone, you're likely to be telling them exactly how you feel, and your overtures should be met with a very positive response. It's a time when you want to push yourself forward a little. ************************************* SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21): You will be animated, outgoing and wanting to be the center of attention.

Why not? Be a prima donna for a day, though do it with grace and it will work so much better. ************************************* CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 JAN. 19): Someone may be a little abrasive and it could be you just briefly. Try to head for a comforting shoulder if you feel on edge or out of sorts. Leaping up and down will only make matters worse. ************************************* AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 FEB. 18): It should be a lively and pleasure-filled day. No matter what else is going on, there will be a distinct twinkle to your eye, particularly with the opposite sex. You want to be out feeling pretty bright, breezy and bouncy. ************************************* PISCES (FEB. 19 MARCH 20): If other people are being a bit fierce and fiery, you will be the soul of diplomacy, soothing and smoothing them down. Don't respond to sharp words as a challenge and feel you have to give as good as you get.

Page 19

Teen shot in leg by Community...

From page 6 uncontrollably told Kaieteur News that on the day in question around 04:00hours, he went to a location where his brother–in-law had sent him. He admitted that he didn’t know what he was going for but since the relative asked him to go to the building and find out if anyone was at home, he did.

He continued that at the location, he sat on a stool outside the building where he encountered a caretaker and another man who had a handgun in his possession.

Jabar said that the caretaker told him, “Don’t run or we go shot you.” Adhering to the men’s orders Jabar said he remained fixed until the men came and held on to his pants while leading him towards the roadway. And as they walked, the teen said persons began to gather. Some women came and said to call an individual who he named.

Jabar said he was still in the company of the caretaker and the other man when he saw the said individual approach him in a drunken state, with a cigarette in his mouth and a shotgun in hand.

Jabar said the man walked up to him and asked him if he wanted a smoke and without warning, the man gun butted the teen. Jabar said the man then tripped him to the ground and fired one shot. “I didn’t feel anything at first, all I saw was a chunk of my left leg missing, the other had a set of burns, and I was lying in a pool of blood.”

Jabar also alleged that he was left laying on the ground for quite a while and during that time, the said man kept poking at his injured leg with the gun, jeering him. The teen

DTV CHANNEL 8 08:55hrs. Sign On 09:00hrs. Live! With Kelly 10:00hrs. Spice Goddess 10:30hrs. Everyday Exotic 11:00hrs. The View 12:00hrs. Prime News 12:30hrs. The Young and the Restless 13:30hrs. The Bold and the Beautiful 14:00hrs. The Talk 15:00hrs. Boy Meets World 16:00hrs. Beverly Hills, 90210 17:00hrs. The Wayans Brothers 18:00hrs. World News 18:30hrs. Awakening 19:00hrs. Greetings and Announcements 20:00hrs. Alliance on the Move 21:00hrs. NCIS: Los Angeles (New Episode) 22:00hrs. Unforgettable (Season Finale) 23:00hrs. Sign Off NCN CHANNEL 11 02:00 – NCN Late Edition(R/B) 02:30 – Late Nite with GINA 03:00 – Movie 05:00 – The Path of Forgetting

said that when the police arrived, he was taken to the hospital and the man was taken to the police station to give a statement.

Prior to the shooting, Jabar said the caretaker pleaded with the individual not to shoot, but the man still did. The teen said that the individual who shot him was at the time drinking at a bar and having no relation in the incident, the man involved himself and for no good reason shot him.

He told this publication that only two months ago his mother died at this same hospital (GPHC) after suffering a heart attack.

The boy said that he did not go far in school and he works very hard to make his money, but he is not a thief.

He continued to sob as he questioned who will take care of him since he would have to be bed ridden for quite a long time due to his injuries and that his family had no idea that he was hospitalized.

The teen further said that the man who shot him has told police that he does not wish to carry on the matter. “He tell de police how he ain’t want no story cause he know he wrong me. He aint got no reason to shot me. He know me, I grow up right in de village. He know my mother.

He ruin my life,” the teen wailed.

Both of Jabar’s legs were bandaged but still bleeding. It is understood that the teen lost a lot of blood and a large chunk of his leg was blown off. He also sustained serious injuries to the other leg which was damaged by the pellets from the 12 gauge shot. His face was also swollen from the gun butt. It may very well be a long time before the teen could walk again.

Part 1 05:30 – Newtown Gospel 06:00 – NCN Late Edition(R/B) 06:30 – IPL#52 Pune Warriors vs Rajasthan Royals 10:00 – IPL#53 Deccan Chargers vs. Kings XI Punjab 14:00 – NCN Newsbreak 14:05 – Feel the Beat (R/B) 15:05 – Feature 15:30 – Rise & Be Healed 16:00 – Cartoons 17:00 – Anderson 18:00 – NCN News Magazine

– Live 18:30 – GT&T 10/10 Update 19:00 – Al Jazeera 19:30 - Homestretch Magazine 20:00 – 3d/daily millions/play de dream/lotto draw 20:05 – Your Health the Nations Wealth 21:05 – XI Interface 21:35 – Feature 22:05 – NCN News Late Edition 22:30 – Caribbean Newsline 23:00 – Movie

Guides are subjected to change without notice

Page 20

Kaieteur News

(From page 15)

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W Connection starts with Victory in CFU second round Striker Hashim Arcia scored on either side of the half to earn TT Pro League Club W Connection a comfortable 2-0 win over visiting Haitian Club Vi c t o r y on Sunday afternoon at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium, Trinidad in Group 5 action of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Club Championships second round.

And in the second clash of the Group 5 day-one double header hosted in Trinidad, Antigua’s Barracudas which plays in the United States USL and equipped with former San Juan Jabloteh forward Peter Byers, got the better of Suriname’s Inter PEN PAL Mixed male, age 52, with own home seeking female companion. Tel: 683-0040

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East Coast $55,000, Kitty $60,000, Alberttown $80,000, Bel-Air US$1500, Hotel US$5,000; Diana 227-2256, 626-9382 One two bedroom bottom flat apartment. Tel no.: 6644898 One bottom flat in Enmore $35,000 monthly. Contact 677-1495 1 2 bedroom house, 1 1 bedroom house, Good Hope, Essequibo. Call: 6804990, 277-3033 DATING SERVICE Immediate link-Singles 1880yrs. Confidential: Tel:2238237,648-6098. (No -text) 8:30am-5:00pm Mon-Sun (Both phones same hours).

Tuesday May 08, 2012

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Moengoetapoe 3-0 with a pair of goals by Tamorley Thomas (9th and 89th minute) and one from Quinton Griffith (43rd minute).

Connection broke the visiting Haitians in the 17th minute for a 1-0 advantage when a forward pass by midfielder Andre Quashie was met comfortably by forward Arcia who took one touch before stroking a low shot into the far netting against goalkeeper Ronald Elusma.

Twenty-six minutes into the match Shahdon Winchester found the side netting from inside the area after he was released on the right by Jerrel Britto, as Connection tried to comfort the advantage before the break.

Meantime, Phillippe Junior Toussaint, was Victory’s liveliest player but he wasn’t enough to really trouble Connection goalie Jan Michael Williams. In the 37th minute Toussaint’s deflected shot trickled off target, but forced a dive out of goalkeeper Jan Michael Williams.

And Toussaint later forced a block-out by Williams three minutes from the break after weaving his way off defender Leslie Joel Russell. Victory was fortunate not to concede another item five minutes inside the second period when Britto muffed at an excellent opportunity from the top of the area hitting directly at Elusma when he was slipped a pass inside by Winchester.

But Connection made it 20 in the 77th minute, when Arcia completed his double by sliding in at the back post to direct in Rennie Britto’s low cross which was missed by teammate Winchester and goalkeeper Elusma.

The Victory goalie then pulled off a solid block out two minutes later, charging down a crack on goal by Winchester from inside the area after controlling a cross from the right by Clyde Leon.

Today, Victory will take on the Barracudas from 17:30hrs at the Ato Boldon Stadium in day-two of Group 5, and two hours later at the same Couva venue, W Connection are against Inter Moengoetapoe.

And on Thursday, all four

clubs will be back at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium for the final match-day with Victory against Inter Moengoetapoe from 17:30hrs and Connection from Antigua Barracudas.

The top two finishers of the group will advance into the semi-final round to meet the top two finishers of Group Four which hosts TT Pro League Club Caledonia AIA, Haitian Club Baltimore, home side George Town and twotime defending CFU Club Champions Puerto Rico Islanders from May 20-24 in the Cayman Islands.

REPORT: Man sneaks box into Olympic Park London (AP) - Olympic organizers said Monday they were looking into a tabloid’s report claiming that a worker had been able to sneak a plastic container with batteries, a phone and modeling clay into Olympic Park.

The Sun newspaper paper acknowledged that the unidentified worker had been ‘’properly vetted’’ and ‘’thoroughly searched’’ once before entering the park on Friday morning but said he was later able to leave the park and re-enter without being challenged.

The tabloid claimed the container looked like a ‘’dummy Semtex device’’ and trumpeted

what it alleged was the discovery of a ‘’terrifying flaw’’ in Olympic security. ‘’OLYMPIC SECURITY BLOWN APART,’’ the paper’s headline screamed. Organizers were more measured. ‘’Clearly a Tupperware box containing batteries, a mobile phone and some loose wires would not pose a threat on a construction site,’’ said a statement from the London Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. ‘’However we will be looking into the allegations to ensure that our security regimes are as robust as they need to be.’’

>>>Letter to the Sport Editor<<<

AAG President responds to Pemberton DEAR MR. EDITOR, I write in response to a letter that appeared in your newspaper on 2012-05-06 under the caption “GOA and AAG bosses called on to respond” by one, T. Pemberton.

As President of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), I would normally read letters of all sorts with quite a lot of distorted facts, which seems designed to create disharmony among affiliates.

I am not compelled to respond, but as the writer is calling on both the Presidents of the GOA (Guyana Olympic Association) and AAG to go on records and respond to Mr. Christopher Ram’s article via the dailies, I have chosen to do so.

The writer made specific mention in reference to the KN article captioned “Ram flays GOA over lack of

accountability”, and at the same time implicated the AAG. It was a travesty for the writer to call on the President of the AAG to address Mr. Ram’s plea for financial accountability at the launching of the President’s/ Jefford Track & Field Classic III on May 8th at Digicel’s Headquarters, Kingston.

However, for the record, the AAG has been submitting financial statements annually at their Annual General Meetings (AGM) to their affiliates, save, and except, for the year 2011 with the passing of our Treasurer (Mr. Franz Welch) during the month of November, which placed the current Treasurer in a very awkward position to have one completed.

This position was stated at the Annual General Meeting held on 15th January

Michael Phelps will retire after London Olympics In a revealing conversation with Anderson Cooper of “60 Minutes,” Michael Phelps confirmed he will retire after the London Olympics. When he does, he has no plans to return to the pool.

“Once I retire, I’m retiring,” he told Cooper. “I’m done.” The wide-ranging interview also touched on Phelps’ training, charitable efforts and life in the spotlight. In it, the 16-time

medalist confirmed what many had suspected — that he was burnt out after his Beijing triumph and needed time to recharge before the long haul to London.

“It was hard, because I didn’t know if the passion or the fire was still inside of me,” Phelps told Cooper. “And it took awhile for me to actually realize it myself. [Coach] Bob [Bowman] couldn’t tell me, my mom couldn’t tell me. They

2012 and the President disclosed the bank balance as at 30th November, 2011.

The Athletics Association of Guyana holds Election for Office Bearers every four years at a special AGM, but it is mandated to hold an Ordinary Annual General Meeting by the IAAF where a financial statement must be submitted.

For whatever reason, Pemberton handpicked the AAG out of all the affiliates of the GOA to call upon and needs to get the facts straight. Mr. Ram did not single-out the AAG as one of the defaulters in the KN article.

I appreciate his call for the Business Community to sponsor athletes and to assist in the development of Track and Field.

Colin Boyce President AAG couldn’t help me find it.”

Bowman was typically evasive when asked about Phelps’ chances in London.

He won two individual golds and two silvers at last summer ’s world championships while in lackluster shape, a fact which suggests a fit Phelps will experience success in London.

Other revelations in the interview: Phelps sleeps in a chamber that simulates being at 8,500 feet, he carries his Beijing medals in a purse and he likes to take “Hangover”inspired trips to Las Vegas.

Mark Interior Communications throws in weight From page 23 supporting the event.

According to Grimmond, he is a “strong supporter of quality sports and athletes in Guyana” and his sponsorship of the 2012 meet is demonstrating that commitment. He

stated that he will ensure that he continues partnering with the meet as it gets bigger and better.

Meanwhile, the Photo-Op banner will be used as the official background for all photo chances of the meet that will

feature Marian Burnett competing in Guyana among local athletes and athletes from the Caribbean. The meet will be officially launched today at 11am.

Apart from dolling out lucrative cash prizes to clubs

and athletes, the President’s/ Jefford Classic has sought to establish a popular brand for athletics and provide the platform for local athletes to decide who is the best-of-thebest among them with keen competition.

Tuesday May 08, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 21

Kolkata evict Delhi Tain, Albion, Port Mourant latest to register victories from top spot ASTP / GT&T / MCYS / NSC Schools Windball Cricket C/ships...

Students and teachers participating in this year’s Schools Windball Cricket Championships pose for a photo op shortly before the start of play in the Lower Corentyne Zone recently.

Tain, Albion and Port Mourant were the latest teams to register victories when play in the Lower Corentyne Zone of the Al Sport & Tour Promotions (ASTP) / GT&T / Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS) / National Sports Commission (NSC) sponsored 15th Annual

Regional Primary Schools Windball Cricket Tournament continued, at the Bush Lot farm Ground.

In results: Girls: Tain beat Cropper by 7 wickets. Cropper batted first and scored 38-3, Nafeeza Burnett 10.

Tain 39-3, Kavita Ramsammy10.

Aifo Mohamed 2-11.

Albion then defeated Port

Mourant by 8 wickets. Port Mourant 37-4, Ronella Hontzen 11. Region #6 defending champions Albion 38-2, Shibika Gagwabi 12.

BOYS: Port Mourant eased to an 8-wicket win over Rose Hall.

Rose Hall 40-2, Nicholas Manoo 15. Port Mourant 412, Karran Ramkissoon 20.

Tain then beat Albion by 18 runs. Tain 54-7, Yudesh Mohabir 25 not out. Ashik Ishack 4-15. Albion 36-6, Vishal Mangra 11. Kevin Maninathoo picked up 3wickets, while Yudesh Mohabir supported with 2.

The Organiser of the championships is Sport Officer Allister Munroe.

Bush Lot United Turf Club Horse Race Meet

By Samuel Whyte Taking advantage of the favourable conditions and straddled by Winston Appadhu, Mr. Cool, a fiveyear-old locally bred horse owned by Mrs. S. Ross and trained by G. Sooklall, turned in a classic performance, winning two races when the Bush Lot United Turf Club held its one day horse race meet at the club’s Bush Lot West Coast Berbice headquarters Sunday afternoon last.

By dint of those wins, the Ross’ stable captured the champion horse and stable trophies.

Jockeys Winston Apadhu and Desmond straddled the animals that eventually registered two wins each and were adjudged joint champion riders even as the organizers defied the inclement weather and managed to stage six exciting races that thrilled turfites present at the occasion.

The champion horse defeated several other thoroughbreds to take the K and Lower event over a distance of 1200M and cart off the $80,000 first prize and trophy put up by Gazaman and Pleasant Surprise.

The animal then returned two races later to take pole position in the I3 and Lower 1200M race ahead of Royal Time and Oh-So-Sharp to take the winning purse of $150,000 and a trophy donated by the organizers and Lenny Singh.

In the feature G Class event, ‘Weekend Surprise’ of the Jumbo Jet Stables which

‘Mr. Cool’ is champion horse

Mrs. Ross receives the I-Class trophy from Organiser Lakeram ‘Buddy’ Sukdeo of BLUTC for Mr. Cool’s victory.

Also in photo is Champion Jockey Winston Apadhu. was ridden by Trinidadian Padmore, was a cut above the rest, galloping away to victory and the $200,000 and trophy first prize compliments of Jumbo Jet Auto sales and the organizers. In second place was, De Gump with South Sea finishing in the third place.

‘The Gap’ of the Manroop stables won the H and Lower 1200M race and the $150,000 first place prize as well as a trophy compliments of Buddy Shivraj from De Dump. Other winners were: McGyver of the Vibert Gibson’s Racing stable who won the ‘J and Lower’ event over 1200M followed by ‘Hard Runnings.’ ‘Flying Object’ completed the podium spots.

The group race over 1000M was another exciting event and ‘Mischief’ of the Jagjit Racing Stables rode off with the honours leaving

‘Abary King’ with ‘Sea Bird’ in its wake in third and fourth positions respectively.

In the group race, ‘Mischief’ of the Jagjit Racing Stables took the honours and the $60,000 top prize along with the trophy ahead of

‘Abary King’ and ‘Sea Bird’ in second and third respectively.

The day’s events were incident free after officers of the Guyana Police Force performed their duties in a highly professional manner.

Dominican Republic women earn Olympic berth TIJUANA, Mexico (AP) The Dominican Republic’s women’s Volleyball team earned a spot in the London Olympics by defeating Cuba 3-1 (25-18, 25-23, 27-29, 25-20) in the NORCECA Olympic qualification tournament on Saturday night.

The Dominican Republic is the sixth team to qualify for the London Games, joining the United States, Italy, China, Algeria and host Britain. It

will be the Dominican Republic’s second trip to the Olympics since volleyball was introduced in 1964. The team also went to Athens in 2004, finishing 11th.

Cuba defeated Puerto Rico 3-1 (23-25, 25-17, 25-19, 25-22) in the semifinals of the continental qualification tournament, while the Dominican Republic swept Canada (25-15, 25-18, 25-15) to advance.

The clash between the two most impressive teams in the tournament proved to be a one-sided affair as Kolkata Knight Riders cruised to a sixwicket victory at a packed Feroz Shah Kotla, displacing Delhi Daredevils from the top spot they had held virtually from the start of the tournament.

Jacques Kallis made two big early breakthroughs, Sunil Narine continued to confound batsmen and Rajat Bhatia quietly continued to prove an important cog in Knight Riders’ bowling as they stifled Daredevils’ formidable batting.

The chase of 154 proved straightforward, the only real moment of concern for Knight Riders coming when Brendon McCullum brutally pulled a delivery straight at their dugout in the 15th over.

Daredevils’ two most productive batsmen this season have been Virender Sehwag and Kevin Pietersen, and their consistency had so far shielded the rest of the team’s batting from too much scrutiny. With Sehwag finally failing after a record five halfcenturies in a row and Pietersen back home, the rest of the line-up couldn’t quite deliver.

Brett Lee began with a maiden to David Warner, who was playing his first game of the tournament, but Sehwag and Warner slammed 34 off the next two to provide Daredevils a flying start.

Kallis nipped that stand early by slipping in a length delivery after a couple of shorter ones to trap Sehwag lbw. Warner also didn’t last long, nicking behind in Kallis’ next over.

That over ended with an angry confrontation between Mahela Jayawardene and Gautam Gambhir after Jayawardene survived a loud and confident shout for caught-behind. In the next Kallis over, there was less doubt about whether Jayawardene edged the ball but he was lucky as wicketkeeper McCullum spilled a tough chance to his right. He couldn’t capitalise on the lives though, as he was run-out attempting a suicidal single. Gambhir under-armed a direct hit and spiritedly celebrated the wicket.

Bhatia and Narine choked the batsmen, conceding only 25 runs in a five-over stretch in the middle of the innings.

The biggest struggle was for the out-of-form Ross Taylor, who scratched around for 16 off 27 deliveries, potentially putting his place in jeopardy. A cameo from

Brendon McCullum Irfan Pathan, who again showed off his clean hitting, lifted Daredevils beyond 150 despite four wickets in the final over from Narine.

That total didn’t prove too much of a challenge for Knight Riders, particularly as the Daredevils bowlers provided plenty of freebies down the leg side. Gambhir and McCullum put on their fourth fifty-plus stand in six innings to demoralise Daredevils as they raced to 60 for 0 by the end of the Powerplay. Gambhir was the more fluent of the openers, extending his prolific run this season with a quick 36 before being bowled by fast bowler Varun Aaron, playing his first match in five months.

McCullum tried to muscle the bowling early on but couldn’t time it too well, though he gradually grew in confidence and was reversesweeping Irfan Pathan by the time he was nearing his halfcentury. As Gambhir’s striking had reduced the asking rate, Kallis didn’t need to try anything fancy, sticking to conventional strokes as he and McCullum added 60 before they were dismissed off consecutive deliveries by Umesh Yadav, who regularly reached 150kph.

Those strikes weren’t enough, though, for Daredevils to hang on to the No. 1 spot, as Knight Riders coasted to victory with eight deliveries to spare.

Page 22

Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 08, 2012

WI tour opener washed out

Campbell steers WI to series win

Hove, England – West Indies reached 90 for three in their first innings before the unstable weather that has dogged their tour opener against Sussex brought an early end, forcing a no-result on Monday.

Only 16 overs were possible in close to 1 ¼ hours before the weather interrupted, forcing the players to leave the field on the scheduled final day at the PROBIZ County Ground. The first day on Saturday was abandoned without a ball being bowled and only 18 overs were possible on the second day on Sunday.

The not out batsmen for West Indies were Darren Bravo on 19 and fellow left-hander Shivnarine Chanderpaul on nine.

Play started promptly in chilly conditions, but the overnight pair of Bravo and Kieran Powell, another left-hander, seemed untroubled by the weather or the Sussex attack, which comprised the England duo of fast bowler Amjad Khan and left-arm spinner Monty Panesar, of whom the visitors failed to get an early sight.

Both batsmen struck the ball crisply with Powell playing a breath-taking square drive off Khan for the last of his four boundaries in 35 before he was caught behind off left-arm fast-medium bowler Naved Arif, nibbling at a rising delivery outside the off-stump.

Bravo reeled off a couple imperious cover drives off Naved and Khan for his first two boundaries, giving testimony to his class and was just beginning to knuckle down with World No.1 Test batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul,

when the weather took hold again.

West Indies will hope the sunshine that blessed them when they made the short jaunt from the ground to their hotel follows them to Wantage Road in Northampton, where they play the England Lions (England-A) in their final warm-up match prior to the first Test against the hosts, starting on May 17 at Lord’s.

Glasgow/Jairam win Silvina’s Variety Store Beach Volleyball Classic Former national Captain Seon Glasgow teamed up with former national Under-19 player Naresh Jairam to win the Silvina’s Variety Beach Volleyball Classic Trophy when the Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA) held its pair’s competition, at the Eglets Sandcourt in Reliance, East Canje.

The pair of Adriel Moore and Creston Rodney (current national U-19 players) and female players Cynthia Harris and Yogeta Ramkissoon, also performed creditably to win their respective categories.

The competition which was played in blistering sunshine attracted 19 pairs (16 male and 3 females) and was played in different categories due to the late arrival of most of the male players from the Corentyne and the standard of play under the new Beach Volleyball rules was described as impressive by BVA Secretary and Chief Referee – Yannick Chase.

At the presentation ceremony held in fading light immediately after the conclusion of the competition, BVA President, Gregory Rambarran complimented the players from West Berbice for being punctual and berated those from East Berbice for being very late.

He also took the opportunity to congratulate

the respective winners, thanked the sponsor and officials and formally welcomed new affiliates – 3 Door Starters of D’Edward into the Berbice Volleyball fraternity.

Describing the event as a success, the Rambarran urged the players to have more respect for time and to raise the level of their performance. Trophies and cash were presented to Glasgow and Jairam – male winners, Ricky and Azeer – second place.

Female winners Harris and Ramkissoon also received trophies and cash as did Moore and Rodney for placing first in zone 2 and Glasgow and Jairam for being second in zone 2.

The mixed pair of Choomani Khan and Jason Johnny also received trophies and cash.

Trophies and medals were presented to Robin Rampersaud, Moore and Harris for outstanding performances, while Rodney received the Most Valuable Player trophy for being the best player on show.

The trophies and cash prizes were presented by female spectators present and officials of the BVA -Levi Nedd and Yannick Chase, in the absence of the sponsor who is currently overseas.

Meanwhile affiliates of the BVA who were absent from the Referees Course held on Sunday, April 29th were disciplined for their non attendance and informed to seek registration with the BVA b e f o r e t h e n e x t scheduled competition.

Clubs can contact the BVA’s Secretary on Tel. # 6023354 for more information and guidance.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – A valiant, unbroken 24-run, eighth wicket partnership between Shemaine Campbell and Tremayne Smartt fired West Indies Women to a series-winning three-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the third Twenty20 International here Sunday.

Chasing 78 for victory after the game was reduced to 16 overs per side because of rain, West Indies found themselves tottering on the brink of defeat at 56 for seven in the 13th over. However, Campbell stroked a superb unbeaten 27 from 23 balls and Smartt got 12 from eight balls, as West Indies got home in the last over with five balls to spare.

The victory was the third straight for the hosts after they won the doubleheader at Kensington Oval in Barbados last week. Winning the toss and batting, Sri Lanka got a top score of 22 not out from Deepika Rasangika as they reached 77 for eight.

They were pegged back by fast bowler Subrina Munroe (2-12), off-spinner Stafanie Taylor (2-16) and left-

Shemaine Campbell plays a clever sweep during her matchwinning knock

arm seamer Shanel Daley (217) all of whom took two wickets apiece. Seamer Sripali Weerakkody (3-23) then stunned the hosts with a lethal opening burst with medium pacer Chamani Seneviratne (2-8) giving excellent support.

All West Indies’ top batsmen fell cheaply, as Taylor went for 10, Deandra Dottin departed for a first-ball

“duck” and Daley perished for five. When Anisa Mohammed holed out in the deep trying to clear long-off in the 13th over, it seemed all over for West Indies.

But Campbell and Smartt rallied the side in a stand that lasted just 17 balls before Smartt sealed the deal with an off-side boundary off the first ball of the final over.

Bravo eager for playing time HOVE, England – Darren Bravo felt it was unfortunate that there was so little play in the West Indies’ tour opener against Sussex, which ended in a no-result on Monday.

The West Indies lefthander was just getting into the thick of things, when the unstable weather that has dogged the visitors since their arrival brought an early close on the final day of the threeday match at the PROBIZ County Ground.

Bravo was 19 not out, as West Indies reached 90 for three in their first innings after 16 overs were possible before bad light and rain combined to chase the players off the field for the final time.

“It is a bit frustrating,” said Bravo. “The guys wanted to get out there and get acclimatised to the conditions as much as possible. “We have a Test starting in 10 days time and it is very important that we get as much match practice as possible. . .but we can do nothing about this.”

Bravo played for English County side Nottinghamshire last year, but he said the weather was less kind now and every opportunity was needed to get accustomed to the playing conditions.

“It is a bit colder than when I came to play for Notts, but it is important to adjust to the conditions, and try and

perform to the best of my ability,” he said. “I think it’s important to understand your game and know what are your strengths and weaknesses.

He said: “[The shots I played] I was able to execute properly, but nothing beats spending time in the middle.

“It is important to be able to understand the conditions as much as possible, but I’m happy with the way things went for me in the short space of time.”

Bravo is likely to be one of several players to grace Lord’s for the first time in a Test, when West Indies face England in the first Test at the famous ground, starting on May 17.

Only Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Fidel Edwards and Denesh Ramdin have played a Test at the ground previously, although several others have made appearances in diverse ways in the past.

“It would be a great feeling to play a Test at Lord’s,” he said. “It’s the ‘spiritual’ home of the game, as we all know, so playing there at this very young age will be something special and I am looking forward to it. My father will also be there and this will make it an extraspecial occasion.

“We are all looking forward to the first Test at Lord’s and I am sure everyone

will be looking to give a good account of themselves.”

Squad - Darren Sammy (Captain), Kirk Edwards ( Vi c e - C a p t a i n ) , A d r i a n B a r a t h , D a r r e n Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Narsingh Deonarine, Fidel Edwards, Assad Fudadin, Shannon Gabriel, Kieran Powell, Kemar Roach, Denesh Ramdin, Ravi Rampaul, Marlon Samuels, Shane Shillingford.

Remaining matches May 10-13: England Lions vs West Indies – Wantage Road, Northampton 17-21: 1st Test – Lord’s, London 25-29: 2nd Test – Trent Bridge, Nottingham June 2-3: Leicestershire vs West Indies – Grace Road, Leicester 7-11: 3rd Test – Edgbaston, Birmingham 13: Middlesex vs West Indies – Lord’s, London 16: 1st One-day International – The Ageas Bowl, Southampton 19: 2nd One-day International (d/n) – Kia Oval, London 22: 3rd One-day International – Headingley Carnegie, Leeds 24: Twenty20 International – Trent Bridge, Nottingham