Wednesday May 04, 2016
Guyana acts when disaster strikes DEAR EDITOR; Guyana is a society that sometimes like to wait for something to happen and then act or do something about it. I would like to highlight the poor safety conditions that befall travelers utilising the ‘semi- legal’ Guyana-Suriname ‘backtrack’ crossing at Corriverton, Corentyne. First of all, life jackets are not used on most of the trips. When I asked for a life- jacket I was told to open a big bag in front of the both, and when I did, the few in there were soggy and soaked as
well as smelly. Many travelers refuse to use these jackets, and just imagine, there are also babies traveling on the 20- minute journey sometimes. It is a dangerous practice and should cease immediately. I think the authorities should have some more regulation over this service which is utilised by dozens of Guyanese and Surinamese on a daily basis. On the Nickerie side, there is no jetty to walk out to the boat, instead women and girls are lifted or jockeyed on the backs of men, and
not all females might be comfortable with that practice. For years, this has been the norm. The boats are also opened with no shelter from rain or the rough waters of the Corentyne whilst traveling. They should have boats like those plying the Parika- Supenaam route on the Essequibo and in other places. I urge the government of both sides to get involved and deal with the operators, first and foremost, enforce the life- jacket regulation immediately. Eyewitness (name supplied)
The Crime Chief is over-reacting DEAR EDITOR, My approach and response would have been different. “Crime Chief not amused by criticism of confessions obtained by police” (KN April 28) refers. I think the Crime Chief is being overly sensitive, and overreacted. I would have seized the opportunity to give reassurance that the requisite care and standards attach at all times. That would have been the limit of a very focused response. Still, to check on myself, I went back and examined what I wrote. I could not identify criticism, pointed, or implied, or otherwise. The review exercise, however, did reiterate what I started out to do: to share a cautionary statement, and to urge that checks and balances ensure that things are done right, if only to inculcate increasing confidence in the public. Now it is certainly encouraging to read, compliments of the Crime Chief
that the final arbiter, the courts, have upheld confessions coming before them. On the other hand, I must disagree with the quoted comment from Mr. Blanhum that, “It is very appalling that persons are criticizing us for not solving crimes, and others are questioning the way we are solving them.” I repeat: I disagree with Mr. Blanhum with his objection to “others are questioning the way we are solving them.” My position is that reasonable, commonsense questions and concerns (not criticisms per se) must be raised and raised publicly to servant-leaders as to the how and “the way.” The “how” must be probed and interrogated. Think of this: If none were tendered over the years, then NICIL, Amaila Falls, and Flood Control (Drainage and Irrigation) would all still stand untouched as gospels of bureaucratic and corporate truth. I remind everyone that CLICO remains an unresolved and unsatisfying
mystery. It is not a thriller to either victims or taxpayers. I assert that these kinds of matters commence with a thought, mushroom into interest, and cohere into a question. Sometimes the question is pointed. From my standpoint (as written before) the Crime Chief has been energetic and delivered results. He has made a difference. I can only exhort him and his team to continue the good work, and according to the book. The Crime Chief himself has so attested in the KN article referenced. In closing, I remind all of us about the near irreversibility of one innocent man railroaded into the one-way, lifetime purgatory of incarceration oblivion. None would wish that on the conscience, including watchful citizens. Of course, it goes without saying that the derivative and beneficiaries of such innocence are the really guilty in society, who are free to maim and shock even more. GHK Lall
This person’s story may not be based on facts DEAR EDITOR; Subject: Response to article “Waiting in vain to travel on the Essequibo River” Dated Saturday, April 2, 2016, The Amalgamated Transport & General Workers Union has read the above captioned article, a complaint in the Kaieteur News Paper dated Saturday 02nd April, 2016. The Union rejects in the strongest possible terms that this anonymous writer or concerned citizen even had such an experience on Good Friday, March 25, 2016 travelling from Parika to Supenaam on the Transport & Harbours Department Ferry Service. Firstly, by the anonymous
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writer’s own admission it was stated that he/she was travelling with a vehicle, had arrived at Parika Stelling at 12:30 am on the morning of Good Friday for a Ferry scheduled to leave at 05:00 hours, and were the sixth (6th) vehicle in line to travel. At 3:45 hours was told “You cannot go on the boat” but minutes later fifteen(15) to twenty (20) vehicles passed and boarded the Ferry. Secondly, the anonymous writer did not say whether the first five (5) vehicles in the line was allowed to travel and in addition he/she was told to wait, which can be interpreted to mean that none of the other vehicles that were there early were allowed to travel on the
Ferry. Thirdly, even if fifteen (15) to twenty (20) vehicles passed him/her while in the line that amount of vehicles will take up less than half of the space on the Ferry which is far below the required amount. So he/she must now tell us where the other vehicles came from to fill the Ferry or whether it left half empty to Supenaam Stelling. The anonymous writer’s story seems not to “Add up” since it is logically impossible for a vehicle that is No. 6 in line not being able to travel on the Ferry. A vehicle at No. 30 in the line will be able to travel in normal circumstances along with six (6) trucks. During the Crop Season fifteen (15) vehicles
(cars, 4x4, SUV, buses and Pick ups) along with ten (10) to fifteen (15) trucks can travel at the same time. The anonymous writer needs to stop complaining and come plain so that the Management of the Transport & Harbours Department, Organizations that has a vested interested in the T.H.D, and readers of Kaieteur News can know the whole story, if you have a story to tell. On the other hand, while the Union would like the Continued on page 29
The City Police aren’t doing their job DEAR EDITOR; The new Mayor & Councillors of the City of Georgetown needs to demand that their City Police Department devise a strategy to combat the upsurge in crime in our capital. The mission of the City Constabulary is to detect and prevent crime, maintain law and order, protect municipal property and preserve the peace particularly in and around the markets, commercial areas and in the downtown area. It is no secret that this law enforcement agency needs to be far more effective in the performance of their duties. The country as a whole but Georgetown in particular has experienced an increased rate of crime that includes home invasions, and shootings. Moreover, has been a dramatic increase in criminal activity such as assaults, armed robberies, and random shootings in public places in the capital. Some reports indicate that a number of Indo-Guyanese have been attacked in various criminal incidents, but whilst allegations that IndoGuyanese citizens were being disproportionately affected by criminality can be debated, for sure crime victims are targeted due to their perceived wealth. The City Constabulary’s response to reports of criminal activity in and around the municipal markets is always slow and unprofessional. Indeed it is firmly believed that some ranks are colluding with criminals or turning a blind eye to criminal activity. In the past they were known for harassing vendors, taking away their goods almost daily. However this is not as rampant now, since some constables are believed to be partnering with criminals to
earn extra cash. A constable is right now before the courts for breaking into a stall in the market with a criminal cohort. Speaking with vendors one learns that about six persons are robbed in and around the Stabroek Market every day. It was said that “you always are hearing ‘look he, look he’ and when you watch is a lil boy running or riding up the road and in the next direction, is somebody looking helpless and no constable in sight. Vendors have stated that there are several well known gangs, comprising teenagers, operating around the market, who often sell their loot “under the clock” in view of constables without being arrested or charged. This is in spite of the Council’s initiative to increase supplies of arms, ammunition, vehicles, protective gear and communication equipment to them. The usual cry by the City Constabulary that they are understaffed, can no longer hold true, as they have been relieved of guard duty at municipal locations and replaced by a private guard service at an extravagant cost, which is another story, but there must be more than enough uniformed ranks available now to be placed around the City to deter criminal activity. Meanwhile, at the B o u rda Market illegal activity is also a regular feature since the facility functions around the clock with little or no security, whilst private guards are stationed on the Merriman’s Mall guarding nothing. Vendors and their customers are easy prey, as many of them are robbed at gun point. It is time for the City Constabulary and the City Council to get their act together. Shanta Singh
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Wednesday May 04, 2016
Govt.’s handling of Harmon-related issues unsatisfactory Harmon and the Chu family on a private jet
- Too many questions remain outstanding; these matters cannot be put to rest - Chris Ram “A democracy requires accountability, and accountability requires transparency.” This quote has been attributed to United States President Barack Obama, and for one prominent Guyanese, certainly does not represent the current state of affairs in the “Land of many waters”. Attorney at Law, Christopher Ram, a believer in Obama’s mantra, is not satisfied with the level of accountability being delivered to the citizens of Guyana by the APNU+AFC coalition government. The administration had presented itself to the nation as a fortress of change and a believer of accountability. However, Ram’s sentiment as conveyed to Kaieteur News yesterday is that he remains expectant, but the level of accountability that was promised is yet to be delivered. Such sentiments were expressed as the lawyer spoke on matters surrounding the actions of the Minister of State Joseph Harmon. Harmon, the most vocal
Anti-corruption advocate, Christopher Ram politician on corruption while in opposition, was recently embroiled in a series of controversies. The Minister’s trip to China has raised many questions. He was seen on a private jet surrounded by the Chu family—the owners of BaiShanLin. Accompanying Harmon on that trip was businessman Brian Tiwarie whom he had appointed Ministerial Advisor on Business Development. That appointment has since been
rescinded by President David Granger. Harmon had also halted a seizure operation - involving a number of high end vehicles - that was being carried out on BaiShanLin. The operation was being executed by the Guyana Revenue Authority in collaboration with officials from the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU). These vehicles were being seized due to the fact that the Chinese company failed to pay the required duties within the legally stipulated timeframe. But before officials from the GRA and SOCU could have carried out the seizures, they received a call from Harmon who instructed that the vehicles must not be removed. Ram was quoted in sections of the media speaking out on both issues. He had said that there must be investigations and that the matters must be dealt with in a way to deter recurrence. Yesterday the anticorruption advocate said that he is not aware that there has indeed been any
investigation; much less one that was through. Ram said that it seems as if Cabinet is satisfied based on what it was told, but the nation remains at a loss. “The nation is still not sure what the government has done. We know that a couple of statements were issued and that’s it.” Ram said that this is not remotely satisfactory to settle a matter as serious as the one that rocked the nation to the extent that revelations of Harmon’s actions did. He stressed that if anything, all those statements served to do was raise even more concerns and
uncertainties. “Citizens are left to speculate, we still do not know the sequence of events. What prompted NICIL to send its legal Officer and a non-executive member to China?” Statements released to the press indicated that Harmon visited China to retrieve an outstanding US$5M from the company that bought government’s 20 per cent shares in GTT. There has since been conflicting information surrounding even that development. Ram is questioning in this age of technology why was it necessary for Harmon to visit China to find out about that sum.
The lawyer said that there are still too many burning questions that need to be answered before this matter can be put to rest. He emphasized that it is time that the country practice real transparency and accountability. Ram also pointed out that the Transparency Institute was directed by President Granger to speak with Harmon after it made statements about the possibility of corruption existing in the new government. Ram said that a request was made and a statement will be forthcoming about the outcome of that request. Initially, Ram had told (Continued on page 16)
Wednesday May 04, 2016
Kaieteur News
Rebels launch assault in Syria’s Aleppo, diplomats try to revive truce
Syrian army soldiers gather in front of the al-Dabit maternity clinic after it was hit by rockets fired by insurgents in government-held parts of Aleppo city, Syria, in this handout picture provided by SANA yesterday. SANA/Handout via REUTERS Reuters - Rebel fighters launched an assault in Syria’s divided northern city of Aleppo yesterday and fired rockets on a hospital in the latest violence to hit civilians as diplomats struggled to restore an unravelling ceasefire and resurrect peace talks. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britishbased group that monitors the conflict, said rebel rockets had killed 19 people in government-held territory, including an unspecified number at the al-Dabit hospital. It described a rebel offensive that led to casualties on both sides. Rebels had hit a government gun position with a guided missile. The Syrian state-run Ikhbariya news channel said three women were killed at the hospital and 17 people wounded. A Damascus Information Ministry statement called it a crime against humanity.
The rebel attack followed government air strikes on rebel areas, including one that hit a hospital last week, which medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres said killed 55 civilians. Aleppo has been the scene of the worst surge in fightin g i n r e c e n t d a y s , wrecking the first major ceasefire of the fiveyear-old civil war, sponsored by the United States and Russia, which had held since February. The United States and R u s s i a h a v e t a k e n the leading roles in diplomacy since Moscow joined the war last year with an air campaign that tipped the balance of power in favour of President Bashar al-Assad, its ally. In an effort to revive the ceasefire, temporary local truces have been put in place in two parts of Syria, but those have not been extended to Aleppo, Syria’s largest city
before the war and its biggest strategic prize now. U.N. Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura, who met U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in Geneva on Monday and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow on Tuesday, said he hoped the truce could be extended to Aleppo swiftly. “We all hope that ... in a few hours we can relaunch the cessation of hostilities. If we can do this, we will be back on the right track,” de Mistura said. If the truce were extended to Aleppo, peace talks could resume, he said. Lavrov said, “The process of agreeing a ceasefire in Aleppo is being finished right now between Russian and American military personnel.” He added that he hoped it could be announced in the near future, “maybe even in the coming hours.”
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Wednesday May 04, 2016
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THE JOBS ARE THERE City Hall, before it imploded in the late 1970s, had around 3,500 workers. It was one of the largest employers in the country, outside of the major stateowned bauxite and sugar industries. The City Council then ran markets in Stabroek, Bourda, La Penitence and Kitty. It had a large abattoir which was always busy. It employed hundreds of manual labourers. It had its own mechanical workshop, its own incinerator, a well-staffed public health department, hundreds of workers in sanitation and weeding gangs, a large Constabulary and its own garbage collection fleet. It could not after a while afford to pay all of these workers, and in the end was forced to lay off thousands of them and abandon many of the services it provided. A great deal of the work
which in the past used to be done by City Hall is now done by private contractors, and this has caused many people to lose an appreciation of the thousands of jobs which can be created within the municipality. This past week, a letter in the media gave a hint of the employment-generating capacity of City Hall. It was pointed out that some five hundred persons were employed during the cleanup exercise in the city. These persons should be on the fulltime payroll of City Hall. They should not be contract workers, because they are needed to maintain the work that they started. City Hall should be increasing its employment. While the city should not aim to go back to its bloated days of 3,500 workers, it is capable of having at least 2,000 full time workers, including City Police and the City Constabulary.
The municipalities and neighbourhood democratic councils can end up creating an additional five thousand jobs. This, if combined with the call centres that Donald Ramotar had touted, would solve Guyana’s unemployment problem. There are more than five thousand persons seeking jobs. But if jobs can be created within the local authorities, it will have spinoff effects and other jobs will be created. The approach by all governments has been to assume that it is white collar jobs which allow for the creation of blue collar jobs. But that approach has not worked because there has never been significant investment to absorb the large number of persons seeking white collar jobs. A different approach should be tried. The local authorities should be given the resources to employ
thousands of persons throughout Guyana. These jobs will be primarily blue collar in nature and would lead to white collar jobs. The movement therefore has to be from blue to white and not the other way around. Blue collar workers suffer more from underemployment than unemployment. Many blue collar workers obtain only on average two to three days of work per week. This explains why wages for blue collar work are so high, despite the overall high rate of unemployment in the economy. Blue collar labour is overpriced because of the high incidence of underemployment. The biggest villains in all of this are the local authorities. There are
thousands of building plans which take an inordinately long time to be approved by local authorities. Each day that these plans are not approved, they deny thousands of blue collar workers employment. If local authorities can speed up building approvals, it would generate thousands of more jobs within the economy. There is no need for Guyanese to be unemployed. The jobs can be found without foreign investments. But it requires placing the municipalities on a sound financial footing and it requires them to move more quickly in expediting building plans in the country. City Hall cannot have persons protesting for their money after they would have
done the work. Place them on the permanent establishment and let them receive a weekly salary. The sloth in the approval of building plans costs jobs. While the plans are sitting on somebody’s desk, there are workers waiting to be employed on the construction sites. But nobody is doing anything to speed up building approvals and therefore the workers suffer. Once building plans are approved at a faster rate, the unemployment problem will disappear. Jobs will be created and people will be happy.
Dem boys seh...
Thief man seh he money come from Pradoville 2 Dem boys seh it had a stupid mastermind pon the Casino robbery the other day. He more stupid than he look. De Police find he wid wet money. Dem boys hear that de man claim how is he father give him de money. At one time when he seh suh, people believe that he father was a rich man. When dem check, de man father is an ordinary man who got to hustle to put food on de table. That is when de crook tell dem how he father win two daily millions. It got to be that de father give two wrong names because de lotto people seh that de name that call never win de Daily Millions. De next thing that had de man thinking quick as how de money get wet. Dem boys hear how he cry over it. Well he had to cry more than Rainstorm, de ghirl in de Nelson West Indian Readers. Dem boys know that when a man get ketch he does always find somebody to blame. De bandit tell dem Police that he learn from Jagdeo, that Scamp. De Police ask he wha he mean? He tell dem that he hide de tiefing money
in watah because he see Jagdeo buy watahfront property wid money that people not sure how he get it. And is nuff, nuff money. De man seh that Jagdeo need a whole ocean fuh hide all ee money. Now, dem boys hear that nuff people planning to tek up under-watah diving near Jagdeo property because dem boys sure that money deh in de water. No bank can’t tek it because of money laundering, and dem can’t hide in a foreign country without Uncle Sam knowing wha happening. Now people understand Pradoville. Jagdeo buy Ocean-side property fuh hide money. Then, it gat a fisherman and he family wha get rob. De Fisherman blame de government fuh not giving he a gun but dem boys want remind he that even if he had a gun, he wasn’t gon be able fuh do anything in dis instance because he wasn’t there when dem get rob. People does come up wid de stupidess excuse. Talk half and don’t use Daily Millions as an excuse.
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Wednesday May 04, 2016
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN...
The AFC’s descent into Orwellian politics Elise Harry is one of those young Guyanese I see as one for the political future. She is a final-year UG student and the television presenter of Cuffy 250’s education programme, “African Drums,” aired every Sunday evening on Channel 9. Ms. Harry had me as her guest last Sunday to discuss the role and nature of the state media against the backdrop of the Chronicle’s censorship of David Hinds and the paper’s refusal to publish the press release of Transparency Institute of Guyana, which was a condemnation of the unexplained dimensions of Joe Harmon’s China trip. Ms. Harry was disappointed that someone that she reposed confidence in, as a young Guyanese with an Frederick independent mind, did not turn up to be on the panel. Ms. Harry was furious that he was not honest with her in his reason why he could not be on the panel. This gentleman now has a senior position with the Government. After the interview was over, I said to Ms. Harry that she will have many more disappointments like that, but that she must take them in her stride and not let them affect her activism. Then I made some confidential remarks to Ms. Harry. I told her that during the PPP reign I functioned with others to remove the PPP, but they were people that were just like many in
the PPP leadership. I named a few. I went on to tell Ms. Harry that I believe that there were people in the PPP Government that were better personalities than some of those with whom we struggled to remove the PPP. I never had any illusion that during the reign of Presidents Burnham and Hoyte, many in the PPP were worse than some of the PNC leaders they criticized. I was never under any illusion that during the 23 years of the PPP reign, many of those in the wider opposition were not politically qualified to denounce the PPP. In my unending columns I even named some of them. The name Ramon Gaskin Kissoon comes straight to mind. I would choose many former leaders of the just removed PPP Government to run my country than Gaskin. Over the long years I can remember naming Miles Fitzpatrick. I have no hesitation in saying that I never admired Ralph Ramkarran and still don’t. I see no political or nationalist value in Dr. Henry Jeffrey. Dislike me or hate me, but appreciate my honesty. I do not hide my feelings. I will not. This has been a long introduction to my rejection of the AFC’s press release on that party’s attitude to Dr. David Hinds. I consider Hinds a Guyanese icon. A young man who chose to defend the rights of Guyanese
during the Burnham era and in the process was jailed for five years. He has made his contribution. We could not have had the Coalition victory in May 2015, if in 1978 there weren’t people like David Hinds, Walter Rodney and others. Ruling parties have to defend themselves against their critics. But they have to distinguish between critics. The AFC‘s press release did not. Its language was insulting to an icon like H i n d s b u t m o r e i m p o r t a n t l y, i t w a s semantics that betray the old, primitive, destructive political culture that has been with this country over sixty years. The AFC describes Hinds as “A selfproclaimed critic who sits in judgement of others and shelters under the new freedom which our Coalition Government has afforded and guaranteed him and others like him to express themselves…” This is an incredible display of autocratic chauvinism and distorted history, and it goes beyond the rhetoric of even some
PPP leaders. Who composed that press release? Are these composers of sound, moral quality? I beg your pardon! Which freedom the Coalition Government gave and is giving us? I would like to think that people like David Hinds gave the Coalition Government the freedom it now enjoys to pursue censorship at the Chronicle, protect Joe Harmon, put Wales sugar workers out of employment, chase down vendors all over Georgetown. I could go on. One wonders who is next on the AFC’s anger list? Will it be the UG student leader who led a picket last month against the Coalition’s continuing neglect of UG? Will it be Lincoln Lewis who is critical of some Government’s policies? Let me leave a reminder with the AFC. Surely, the AFC cannot be that naïve to think many do not know what is happening inside the Coalition and inside the AFC too. I think David Hinds was responding to those flowing tides. Who is next on the list?
Wednesday May 04, 2016
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Police promise efficient security for Independence celebrations - MAINTAIN THAT SERIOUS CRIME IS DECREASING In the face of heavy criticism over the recent spike in criminal activity, the Guyana Police Force has announced a 19% decrease in serious crimes at the end of April this year, relative to the same period last year. Recent activities by criminals have created some unease throughout most of Guyana, especially as the country prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary of independence. Chief among those who have been expressing concerns are the Georgetown, Berbice and Upper Corentyne Chambers
of Commerce. The Chambers had stated that the “escalating” crime rate could place a damper on investment. The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) last week stated that it is extremely concerned about the increase in armed robberies and violent crimes being perpetrated on members of the business community and the country as a whole. The Berbice and Upper Corentyne Chambers of Commerce in a joint press statement had criticized the current government’s
Police officers with their trainers in Miami, Florida, USA. approach to the spike in criminal activities, describing the government as powerless, ineffectual, and out of its league. But the police are maintaining that the perception of steeply rising criminal activity is not a true reflection of the current situation.
In a carefully worded statement issued yesterday, the police announced that there were decreases in almost all the categories of serious crimes. According to the Force, statistics up to a week ago show that there was a nine percent reduction in reports of murder; a nine percent decrease in gun-related robberies; and an eight percent decrease in armed robberies where other instruments were used by the perpetrators. It also announced a 38 percent decrease in robberies with violence; a similar percentage decrease in robberies with aggravation; an 18 percent decrease in rape; and a 22 percent decrease in break and enter and larceny. The Guyana Police Force noted that the reports of serious crimes made last month were 32 percent less than those made the previous month, pointing to a decrease of criminal activity, despite recent reports of sensational news items on high profile acts of crime. “The slowing down of the crime rates is based on several initiatives taken by the Government and the
Guyana Police Force to manage the crime situation. Highlights of these are capacity building in the Criminal Investigation Department that is now manifested in perpetrators of high profile crimes being arrested within two to three days of their occurrence,” the police force stated. “That situation coupled with the Social Crime Prevention Programme and our anti-crime patrol systems as well as Government policy initiatives are developing the public trust and reducing the fear of crime in the Guyanese society,” it added. The Force is also pointing to its partnership programmes with civil society organisations and collaboration with local and foreign law enforcement agencies which have served to strengthen its capacity. It said that the continuous exposure of its ranks to training both locally and internationally has served to develop the Force’s ability to deliver at the frontline level, at management level and at leadership level. At the moment, 12 Assistant Superintendents of Police are attached to the Dade County Police, Miami,
for a period of three weeks. This training is likely to expose them to a First World approach on designing tactics and delivering on frontline functions. The police said that so far for this year, 33 of its members have received training overseas in various aspects of law enforcement, inclusive of a three-month Course in Cyber Crime in India, a threemonth Course in Advanced Fingerprint Technology also in India, and an Advanced Crime Scene Investigation Course in Russia. Locally, another batch of 34 new entrants to the Criminal Investigation Department has completed a six-week training programme. This is in addition to 24 ranks who completed an Intelligence Gathering and Analysis Course, 20 ranks who participated in a Narcotics Investigators Course, and another 35 who attended a programme on National Protocols for Child Advocacy Centres Multidisciplinary Teams. But not all are impressed by these announcements. According to the GCCI, it is extremely disturbing that all the support over the years, Continued on page 12
The police say there will be additional manpower deployment and increased patrols.
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Wednesday May 04, 2016
Daughter and alleged hitman remanded for 2008 Ruby businessman’s murder after Lewis and four others, were detained for the murders of Mohamed Munir, 75, and his wife Bibi Jamila Munir, 69, who were burnt to death in their Good Hope, East Bank Essequibo home. It was while he was in custody that someone tipped off investigators that Lewis had vital information about Habiboodeen’s death. Police said that while being interrogated on Monday, Lewis admitted to
Linden Lewis A daughter and the hitman she allegedly hired to kill her elderly father eight years ago appeared at the Leonora’s Magistrates’ Court yesterday, charged with murder. Bibi Nazeela Habiboodeen, 50, of 111 Ruby, East Bank Essequibo, and Linden Lewis, 29, of Vergenoegen East Bank Essequibo, were arraigned for the murder of 76-year-old businessman Habiboodeen who was brutally attacked and beaten at his Ruby, East
Bibi Nazeela Habiboodeen Bank Essequibo home on February 15, 2008. Bibi Habiboodeen stood side by side in the prisoners’ dock with Lewis as the indictable charge was read to them by Magistrate Rushelle Liverpool. According to reports, the dead man’s daughter confessed just last week, along with Lewis, that they sat down in the man’s house with five individuals and plotted his death. Police Prosecutor
Inspector Matthews asked for time to be allocated to prepare the reports. The accused will make their second court appearance on June 21st. Police had previously arrested and charged Bibi Habiboodean and 38-year-old Terry Lewton, of Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo, but the case was discharged because of insufficient evidence. However, the lawmen got a real break in the case
Police promise efficient security... From page 11 from both local and international agencies, seems to have done very little to improve the overall effectiveness of the Guyana Police Force in securing the nation. The GCCI said that clearly, there is an urgent need for a national discussion on the long term capacity of the Force to address the level of crime in Guyana, starting with an increase in foot patrols. The Chamber said that robberies such as those committed on the Princess Hotel Casino and numerous other businesses across the country continue to be documented in the daily newspapers which are regularly viewed by intended overseas guests. The GCCI said that these incidents will loom like a large cloud over the Independence parades and related activities. They could deter visitors from coming to participate in the upcoming celebrations. There are concerns that the governmentinitiated “Operation Dragnet” seems to have been just a public relations gimmick designed to gloss over what many had deemed an ineffective crime fighting strategy. “We are not seeing any evidence of “Operation Dragnet”. Maybe they just wanted to make people feel safe with words rather than action,” one observer pointed out. The Guyana Police Force, for its part is
assuring that with 60 new recruits recently graduated from the Felix Austin Police College adding to the 287 who graduated in February this year, the current crime situation is being aggressively tackled. “In preparation for increased social activities during our 50th Independence Anniversary Celebrations, the Guyana Police Force has planned a number of initiatives that include additional manpower deployment, particularly in tourist hotspots. All Annual Vacation Leave due to ranks will be suspended for the month. “In addition, there will be increased patrols along the East Bank Demerara corridor and other major arteries; increased collaboration with the Force’s auxiliaries and other partners; increased vigilance at all the Ports of Entry; increased Immigration deployment at the Ports for the faster processing of passengers; escorts and close-protection will be provided for VIPs; efforts to maintain traffic enforcement to prevent congestion and deal with drunk driving and speeding; and Operation Dragnet activities that benefit from Joint Services collaboration will increase,” the police said in its statement yesterday. The Guyana Police Force said it is urging members of the Guyanese society to participate in the Independence Anniversary celebrations responsibly.
killing Mr. Habiboodeen, while complaining that he had never received full payment for the job. According to the suspect’s claims, it all began some time in 2008, when a female relative of the elderly businessman complained that other relatives of Habiboodeen had received properties and other assets, while she had received nothing. The relative reportedly stated that she wanted the old man’s fuel station, cash he
Habiboodeen had in a bank, and assets he had in Georgetown. She reportedly then contacted an uncle of Lewis, and he hired Lewis to kill Mr. Habiboodeen. He was promised $6M, and a house and land.
Wednesday May 04, 2016
Kaieteur News
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CONTRACTORS TO INSTALL WATER DISTRIBUTION NETWORK ALONG HIGHWAY During yesterday’s session at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), Ministry of Finance, bids were opened for the supply of materials, labour and equipment to be used to install a transmission and water distribution network at Waiakabra, Soesdyke/Linden highway. This project was under the Guyana Water Inc.
Meanwhile, under the Ministry of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), bids were opened for the installation of a 365m Brushwood Dam along the foreshore at Walton Hall, Essequibo Coast, Region No. 2. The engineer’s estimate was $11.1M.
There were also bids under the Ministry of Public Security for a consultant to provide support for training at the Ministry of Public Security.
And bids were opened for the supply of vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and flashlights in lots 1-4
The final project under the Ministry of Public Security was for the supply of vehicles. There were bids, again in lots 1-2.
There was another project for the installation of a 240m Brushwood Dam along the foreshore at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, Region No. 4. The engineer’s estimate was $10.3M.
PAGE 14
Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 04, 2016
GFC OFFICIALS OFF THE HOOK…
Directors were in a helpless situation …But Ram under PPP – Forensic auditor maintains that Forensic Auditor, Anand Goolsarran
Chartered Accountant, Chris Ram BY KIANA WILBURG In spite of blatant violations of the laws by some companies in the forestry sector, there was no recommendation for the directors of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) to face disciplinary action. It has left many questioning how those who were entrusted to police the sector could escape any sanction for their negligence. Forensic Auditor, Anand Goolsarran explained that during his audit of GFC, he did detect a whiff of corruption at the level of the board. He noted however that it was not enough to propose charges or disciplinary action of any kind. Goolsarran said that under the previous administration, GFC’s professionals were “in a very helpless situation”. He said this was observed in a number of instances. In this regard, he recalled the interactions between controversial Chinese logging company, BaiShanLin and the GFC Board. Goolsarran stressed that in a number of cases BaiShanLin bypassed the board on certain decisions and contacted the hierarchy of the PPP in order to get its way. He said, “Of course some
might say that the GFC officials condoned some of the acts of corruption in the sector as they turned a blind eye, but what could they have done when BaiShanLin was going to the top people? BaiShanLin had no respect for them so what could the officials do? “Yes, one can say that there is a whiff of corruption as they turned a blind eye to what was going on, but there is no concrete evidence to tie them to it and so it makes it difficult to actually slap them with charges of corruption or make suggestions for disciplinary action”. When reminded of the millions of dollars GFC illegally transferred to NICIL’s accounts, Goolsarran reiterated that it would be hard to charge the board in this regard. He was then reminded that in a previous interview with Kaieteur News, in 2014, he had recommended that the said officials at GFC be charged for breaking the Forest laws in this regard. In an interview yesterday, Goolsarran said, “It is a very hard situation. Indeed the transfer of millions of dollars to NICIL was not permissible and it was against the law. Any transfer from the GFC should be to the Consolidated Fund. But it was not a case where GFC officials misappropriated monies. It was hard for them, they were given directives from above and they had to listen,” the forensic auditor explained. While Goolsarran holds this view, Chartered Accountant Chris Ram believes that the GFC officials breached the laws and should be made to face the court. Ram insisted that the officials had a fiduciary responsibility to uphold the law. He made it clear that there is simply no excuse for doing otherwise. Upon doing a detailed analysis of the Annual reports of the GFC for the years, 20052012, all of which were laid in the National Assembly in November 2013, Ram and other financial minds found several alarming deficiencies and irregularities. The reports reveal that for
several years, the Commission has been transferring millions to the National Industrial & Commercial Investments Ltd and the Environmental Protection Agency, which is against the law. Ram contended in 2014 and maintains today, that for the $600 million that the GFC allowed to be paid over to NICIL, all its directors should be hauled before the courts. He said that the combination of NICIL/GFC is not only an insult to the intelligence of Guyanese, but a challenge and an affront to decency. There was also a published series on the said shortcomings of the Commission’s reports done by Janette Bulkan and John Palmer. The duo also pointed to the NICIL/GFC fiasco. In their detailed analysis, they too pointed to the fact that large amounts of monies, and large variations from year to year between line items in the Commission’s annual reports appear to have been unquestioned by the Auditor General. Bulkan and Palmer said that no explanation was offered as to why the GFC should be holding over US$4 million in cash each year, and why transfers are made to the Environmental Protection Agency and NICIL, but none to the Consolidated Fund. They said too that an explanation is still to be given by the GFC as to why it is acquiring and disposing of fixed assets and why it has current tax liabilities of up to US$10 million in a year – dwarfing other line items. They stressed that there is a legal requirement for the GFC to make transfers to the Consolidated Fund (Section 16 (2) in the GFC Act 2007), but no requirement to send money to the EPA or NICIL. Moreover, Ram had also stated that the GFC is just another example of the perpetuation of former president Bharrat Jagdeo’s legacy of financial lawlessness, a situation that is as wide as it is deep. He said that the state of financial lawlessness created by the former President, surely allowed for the GFC’s
“incomplete and deceptive” reports to be tabled and accepted by the National Assembly without any questions being asked or challenges posed. Ram asserted that the
chaos created is one in which the national accounting body, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Guyana, remained silent even as basic rules of accounting were violated with impunity.
they must be hauled before the courts
Wednesday May 04, 2016
PAGE 15
Kaieteur News
Govt.’s Public Security plan a total disaster – PPP
Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan Given the current crime situation in the country, the main Parliamentary Opposition – the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) – is describing the government’s current Public Security plan as “a total disaster”. General Secretary of the Party, Clement Rohee, expressed this view during a press conference hosted at the party’s headquarters, Freedom House, Robb Street, Georgetown yesterday. Rohee, also a former minister responsible of security under the previous administration, stated that the PPP/C is “appalled at government’s inability to recognize its failure to match its words with its deeds”. Also, he claimed that the operative trait of the APNU+AFC coalition administration “seems to be deception” with a case in point being its crime and public safety,
and security policy. Referencing A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC)’s General Elections Manifesto, where the coalition had formulated a 27-point Action Plan “to address the breakdown of law and order” – Rohee stressed that “most of these have not been implemented”. “The PNC (the People’s National Congress) has ignored many of the actions contemplated, since they are a rehash from the AFC’s 2011 Action Plan for Guyana. Practice being the criterion of truth, it is clear that the Granger administration’s public security plan is a total disaster. Whatever the security experts at the Ministry of the Presidency have coughed up to fight crime has not worked.” PUBLIC PERCEPTION VS. POLICE STATS Rohee said in his assessment, crimes committed with the use of illegal firearms, gang-related assaults and narcotics trafficking have pushed up the rate of serious crime. However, his remarks are contrary to police’s statistics which continue to show a decrease in serious crimes. In this regard, Rohee said that there will always be a contest
between the public’s perception and the police statistics. “People bend towards public perception and regardless of the statistics, public perception will always contest,” he said. Rohee heavily criticised the functioning of the National Security Committee (NSC) and the joint service anti-crime and counter terrorism, Operation Dragnet. He also opined that the PPP can assist the government in its effort to curb the crime situation and issued a call on the David Grangerled administration to activate the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Public Safety and Security. This committee, Rohee said, was set up before the last elections and the administration failed to set it in motion. He continued that after the coalition government assumed office last year May, they told Guyanese that the crime situation would be brought under control. And later, the nation was also informed that a five-point anticrime strategy was being crafted, however the plan began shuttling amongst the Ministry of the Presidency, the Ministry of Public Security, the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force, Rohee stated. “Guyanese were informed
that the plan was to be made public and laid in the National Assembly. The plan never saw the light of day. And as if to add insult to injury, Guyanese were informed that the five-point anticrime strategy was subsumed in Operation Dragnet,” Rohee said. OPERATION DRAGNET WAS DOOMED TO FAIL Rohee emphatically stated that Operation Dragnet was “doomed to fail” mainly due to government’s “interference” in law enforcement operations. He said that neither the government nor the Guyana Police Force will admit that the crime situation is out of control or that they are losing the war on crime. “The same applies to the Minister of Public Security (Khemraj Ramjattan) whose portfolio responsibilities are now shared with the Ministry of the Presidency and is virtually in tatters, despite his efforts to shore up its sagging image.” Rohee stated that “bad man” Ramjattan’s solution to tackle crime in Berbice has failed. He continued that in August last y e a r, R a m j a t t a n p u b l i c l y announced that he dispatched a SWAT team, along with about
PPP General Secretary, Clement Rohee forty ranks of the Guyana Defence Force and the Guyana Police Force, to deal with the crime situation in Berbice. “ H o w e v e r, a s f a r a s Berbicians are concerned, this has been totally ineffective,” Rohee said. “To attack Berbicians calling them ‘ungrateful’ will only infuriate Berbicians more...The government lacks the courage and political will to admit its mistakes and that it has changed course on its electoral promises and shaky initiatives earlier announced. Instead, it prefers to keep flip-flopping in an effort to prove it can govern.” Rohee concluded.
PAGE 16
Wednesday May 04, 2016
Kaieteur News
Prison deaths COI…
No headless remains among corpses Government Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh said that post mortem examinations conducted on the bodies of prisoners, who perished in the March 3, Camp Street disturbance, in some cases revealed evidence of blunt trauma. Dr Singh testified before the Commission of Inquiry into the incident at the Ministry of Presidency Department of Public Service, Waterloo Street, South Cummingsburg, yesterday. The COI was ordered by President David Granger
following one of the deadliest riots that took place within the prisons in recent years. Seventeen prisoners perished in the blaze; they were trapped in a raging fire in the Capital ‘A’ Block of the Camp Street facility. Following the incident autopsies were done by Government Pathologist, Dr. Nehaul Singh, at both the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and the Memorial Gardens and Crematorium. Dr. Singh told the Commission that although
the bodies were burnt severely, he could not recall any examining any headless corpse. The Pathologist was at the time responding to questions posed by Counsel for the Commission Excellence Dazzell. The attorney inquired about the injuries which the prisoners sustained during the incident. Prisoners and joint services officials had previously told the three member Commission of a decapitated corpse found amongst the inmates who
- State Pathologist perished in the fire. However, Dr Singh specifically noted that the corpses of all the inmates were intact when he examined them. “All the bodies the heads were intact; all of them. If there was a headless corpse, the families would have complained. If you check the report there is no such thing as a headless body,” he stated. The witness provided the panel with the details of the autopsies, which he said were conducted in the presence of members of the
victims’ families. He said that most of the relatives identified the bodies of the inmates because of their tattoos. In addition to the 90% to 95 % burns that the prisoners would have suffered, Dr Singh said there was also evidence of blunt trauma to some prisoners. He explained that the blunt trauma could have been caused by several things including cutting, falling, hitting, and lashing, but he could not specifically say what caused the trauma. Asked whether any of the
corpses had been degutted, Dr. Singh explained that in fires, the intestines would often start to protrude the stomach area since it is thinnest area of the body, easily consumed in a blaze. Meanwhile, Attorney for the Joint Services, Eusi Anderson asked the Pathologist specifically about the limitations in his field of work. Anderson questioned whether there were indications that the inmates were injured before they perished in the fire. However, Dr Singh said that based on his examination he could not say whether the prisoners suffered injuries prior to the fire.
Govt.’s handling of Harmon-related... (From page 6) Kaieteur News, “If there are breaches whether in GRA or in the Ministry of the Presidency then actions have to be taken by President David Granger to show that his administration is serious about stemming reckless, unlawful and/or corrupt behaviour in the bud.” Several Government Ministers have declined to give on-the-record comments on the matter. Harmon was noted in the media on several occasions lambasting BaiShanLin for its reckless operations in Guyana as well as the former regime for its encouragement of the company’s actions. In fact, the Minister of State in 2014 had said that the former government has been silent about BaiShanLin’s “immoral and abusive acts” and “there can only be one logical conclusion for that—they are benefitting financially in
exchange for allowing the rape to continue. “Citizens need to understand the corrupt beast that it (former Govt.) is dealing with.” He had said, too, “It is only a win-win deal for the parties involved and BaiShanLin’s kickbacks seem to have silenced the (former) government.” It was Harmon who said that he found it sickening that former President Bharrat Jagdeo invited BaiShanLin to this country under the pretext that it was going to foster good developments, and all along the true intention was to rape this country of its resources. Harmon had also said, “It seems that the (former) Government is being paid to shut its mouth…These companies are just being encouraged to gut this country, and indicators show that Guyana is slipping further into the abyss of poverty.”
Wednesday May 04, 2016
PAGE 25
Kaieteur News
FFTP to roll out ‘adopt a department’ initiative in public hospitals
A new initiative that will see measures being taken to improve sections of a number of public health facilities is currently in the making. The initiative is being spearheaded by Food for the Poor Guyana Incorporated (FFTP). And according to FFTP Field Officer, Mr. Compton Giddings, who has responsibility for ensuring the initiative is successfully implemented, a few health facilities have already been identified. “What we intend to do is to identify a section of all of the (public) hospitals and adopt that section so that we can improve it,” related Giddings. Already adopted by FFTP is the paediatrics department of the Linden Hospital Complex, Giddings informed. “We are going to paint their walls and make it children-friendly. We will write numbers and the alphabet on the walls and we plan on making toys available to the children too,” said Giddings of the planned initiative. But while the initiative is slated to first materialise in Linden, he disclosed that the organisation also has plans to adapt Ward E of the Georgetown Public Hospital. According to him, the ward is one that accommodates a number of cancer patients, some of whom are in need of items that can be provided by the organisation. A department will also soon be adopted at the Diamond Regional Hospital
FFTP Field Officer, Compton Giddings and other public health hospitals. “Whatever section we adopt we will keep looking at it and address all of its needs,” said Giddings, who related that Food for the Poor has over the years been working with a number of public health facilities to help meet a number of needs. However, sustained relationships with such facilities are affected when health personnel are relocated. “Sometimes we develop close relationships with a particular doctor, through whom we give support to the health facility, but when that person is removed we have to start over from scratch in terms of giving our support. To start the new communication with a new doctor, sometimes it is very, very hard, and this is a challenge to us,” Giddings
related. According to him, Food for the Poor has been consistently reaching out to, not only health facilities, but other organisations and individuals as well. Last week the organisation offered support to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure in the form of tables for draftsmen, four ordinary desks and 25 office chairs. “Although I look mainly at medical needs of organisations and individuals, sometimes when I visit a location we get other requests from organisations or individuals to help address other needs, and if we can, we give the support,” Giddings related. Giddings explained that the organisation is one that thrives on the support of international donors, although it procures some items independently. Meanwhile, FFTP will also be looking to continue a wheelchair distribution initiative that it introduced for the first time last year. The wheelchair initiative, which is spearheaded by FFTP Senior Manager, Jimeel Davis, is one that is done in collaboration with the Free Wheelchair Mission of the United States. Founded in 2001 by Laurie and Don Schoendorfer, the Free Wheelchair Mission is an international faith-based non-profit humanitarian organisation dedicated to providing wheelchairs for the impoverished disabled in developing nations.
Last year, Davis said that initiative was intended to distribute 550 wheelchairs. While over the years FFTP catered to the wheelchair needs of persons with disabilities, its capacity did not allow it to meet all the requests made. According to Giddings, “containers are due here, so we will start distribution again soon. We were in Berbice, Linden and we want to go to Essequibo now and start it there too. What we
found is that we never knew we had so many people who are incapacitated and have uncontrolled movements and we also had to give them bed pans and pampers. So we find that we are very strained now, in terms of these distributions, but our donors have been good to us,” added Giddings. Efforts to continue its various initiatives come even as preparations are being made to celebrate 25 years of operation in Guyana, according FFTP Public
Relations Officer, Wayne Hamilton. According to him, FFTP will unveil its celebratory plans after Guyana’s celebration of its Golden Jubilee this month end. “We don’t want our plans to clash with the nation’s celebration, so we are quietly doing our thing,” he noted. It is expected that the FFTP celebration will be done in a big way, not only in Georgetown, also in Berbice, Hamilton said.
PAGE 26
Wednesday May 04, 2016
Kaieteur News
Reputed wife supports ACCUSED CHILD KILLER FOR HIGH COURT TRIAL defendant’s alibi
Robbery/home invasion on Land Court judge…
The reputed wife of Anthony David testified that her husband had no involvement in the robbery that was committed on Land Court Judge Nicola Pierre, on July 9, last, at her home in the gated community of Felicity, East Coast Demerara. Yesterday, Shanella Lee provided the court with a detailed story of her husband’s whereabouts on the day the robbery occurred when the trial continued before Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul in the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court. Her story supported an alibi that David, the father of her child, had given when he was called on to lead his defence. Lee told the court that David was at home with her and their then one-month-old child on July 8, 2015. The following day, she recalled that her husband accompanied her to a private city hospital where they would normally take their child to clinic. The witness recounted that the defendant told her a story of him being framed for the crime by Head of Major Crimes Unit, Assistant Superintendant of Police (ASP) Mitchell Caesar as a favour to another officer whose name she gave as Narine. Lee added that David told her he was set up because he had refused to work as an informant for the ASP. Under cross examination by Prosecutor Nigel Hughes, the witness was asked why she had failed to provide police with a statement of David’s whereabouts. In response, the woman told the court that she was unaware that she could have done so. However, the witness disclosed that she had related her husband’s story to an attorney she had retained. She pointed out that she was
Govt. must probe their... (From page 3) difficulty enforcing the tax code and collecting taxes from the “big shots.” “I have heard stories of ordinary workers who pay more taxes than private businesses and top professionals. This cannot be fair. My layperson guess is that if the required taxes are collected from the big ones, there would be much more resources for education and health care.” He stated that there is a direct relationship between corruption in tax collection and socio-economic development. It is for this reason, he said, that it is imperative for the Government to investigate whether the PPP’s tiny cabal has been paying its fair share of taxes.
Anthony David having a difficult time finding a lawyer for the defendant since no one wanted to take his case. Lee testified that she was eager to inform the Police Complaints Authority about the defendant’s case, but never got the opportunity to do so. Instead, Lee stated that she told her story to a popular media house, but an article was never published. According to Lee, David was arrested a few days after the robbery happened. After learning about his
apprehension, the witness stated that she was very angry and later visited the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary. Lee testified that she was never informed by police that the defendant had committed the crime. She added that she was unable to see her husband until he was charged and remanded to prison. Lee stated that she informed the defendant’s employer, whom he had worked with for over a decade, about his arrest, but interestingly, she related that none of his workmates attended his court hearing. When prosecutor Hughes suggested to Lee that she was making a desperate attempt to mislead the court, she replied in the negative. Attorney for David, Adrian Thompson declined to re-examine this witness and subsequently brought a close to his client’s case. Thereafter, the matter was adjourned until May 18, when the final defendant, Warren McKenzie will put forward his case to the court. McKenzie is expected to call a witness in his defence.
The man who allegedly murdered nine-year-old South Ruimveldt resident Shaquan Gittens, was yesterday committed to stand trial in the High Court, when a preliminary inquiry concluded in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Ryan Bobb-Semple had been on remand since last April for the murder of the young boy. It is alleged that between April 1 and April 4, 2015 at Houston Backlands, he murdered Gittens. Gittens went missing on April 1, 2015 after he left home to go kite-flying in his neighbourhood with some friends. The partially decomposed and bloated body of Gittens was discovered in a trench three days after he went missing. According to reports, Bobb-Semple saw the little boy walking at night on Caneview Avenue, South Ruimveldt. He reportedly admitted to police that he “tripped” the boy, causing him to fall to the ground before dragging him under a tree. It was under the tree, that Semple reportedly told police
MURDERED: Shaquan Gittens
MURDER ACCUSED: Ryan Bobb Semple
he tied Gittens’ hands and sodomized him. It was also reported that the accused severed the child’s private part before dumping his body in a trench in the Houston Backlands. City Magistrate Fabayo Azore ruled that a prima facie case had been made out against the accused based on evidence led by Police Prosecutor, Corporal Bharrat Mangru. The Magistrate also ruled that the caution statement and oral statement given to
the police by the accused were voluntarily obtained. A relative of the accused also testified at yesterday’s hearing. Bobb-Semple had denied providing police with a caution statement but admitted that he signed the said statement after it was shown to him in court. He had also admitted to luring the little boy and sodomizing him. The accused will go before a judge and jury at the next sitting of the Demerara Assizes.
Wednesday May 04, 2016
PAGE 27
Kaieteur News
NCN Director resigns over Auto Dealer charged “reckless, imprudent” with killing close friend appointment of CEO
RESIGNED: NCN Director Imran Khan
NCN CEO, Lennox Cornette
Director of Public Information, Imran Khan, has resigned from his position as a Director on the National Communications Network (NCN) board, in a bid to distance himself from the recent appointment of NCN Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lennox Cornette. In a statement yesterday announcing his resignation, Khan made it clear that he had informed Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo that he could not associate himself with the appointment, which he described as “reckless” and “imprudent”. “Specifically, I advised the Prime Minister that in light of the Chairman of the Board reporting to the board, confirming admittance to an act committed by the individual (Cornette, who was) recommended for a senior administrative position, I am of the conviction that continuing as a Director is untenable.” According to Khan, he had thanked Nagamootoo for his selection to serve as an NCN director and had also
been regretful that “circumstances” did not permit him to serve out the full term for which he had been appointed last year. Cornette’s appointment by the Board of Directors, as a replacement for former CEO Molly Hassan, took effect from May 1. The public quickly became aware that Cornette, a communications consultant, had a chequered past. Cornette had admitted to forging the signature of then GT&T Deputy General Manager Terry H o l d e r, w h i l e h e w a s employed as the Public Relations Officer for the telephone c o m p a n y. F o l l o w i n g C o r n e t t e ’s appointment, emails exchanged between Khan and NCN Board Chairman Bishwa Panday had been published. In it, Panday could be seen defending his decision to appoint Cornette over the objections of Khan. He had stressed that the board went through a transparent
process and a special meeting had been called. Khan, however, expressed strong reservations over Cornette’s appointment. In the emails, Khan had stated that he was “gravely afraid” of entrusting Cornette with the appointment and that if it reached the public domain, the board could find itself in a situation where it could not defend its decision. He had described it as a huge risk. Khan had also called into question Cornette’s lack of broadcast experience. In his defence, Cornette had affirmed that the GT&T controversy had nothing to do with money or f i n a n c i a l i m p r o p r i e t y. Cornette had also stated that the matter was dealt with internally. He had pointed out that after 1999, when he left the company, he still maintained cordial relations with the company. For instance, he stated that in 2011 the company asked him to chair the annual Tele Gathering 16 event, which it was hosting. He also stated that in 2014, GT&T had assisted with printing his book, ‘The Development of Telecommunications in Guyana (1884-1994).’ Noting that numerous attacks have been made on him questioning his ability, he had pointed out that he had more than 20 years of experience in management and executive management positions to qualify him for the job. Cornette was appointed after going through a round of inter v i e w s w i t h t h e board. Panday had stated that he was the best candidate, citing that he holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration from the Australian Institute of Business, Diploma in Public Communication and certificates in Planning and Promotion from Bailbrook College, England.
An auto dealer who is alleged to have accidentally shot dead his close acquaintance during a scuffle was yesterday, released on $500,000 bail after a charge of manslaughter was read to him when he appeared in the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court. Sean Stoll, 36, was not required to plead to the indictable charge which alleged that on April 29, at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, he unlawfully killed Nafasie Edghill. According to reports, on the day in question the accused, Edghill and three other men were in a car. They reportedly went to the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) compound to locate another man who owed one of them money. It was reported that Edghill and Stoll began tantalizing each other and later became involved in a playful scuffle. During the scuffle a round went off and Edghill fell to the ground, clutching his abdomen. The 29-year-old gold miner of Castello Housing Scheme, Georgetown succumbed while receiving treatment at a private city hospital. Stoll was represented by Attorney Nigel Hughes who asked for his client to be released on bail, because he is not a flight risk. He added that Stoll has an unblemished criminal record and has since provided the police with a statement. Hughes told the court that the circumstances surrounding Edghill’s demise are very unfortunate. The lawyer said that his client and the now dead man had been close friends for over a decade. He stated that on the fateful evening, the two friends were travelling to NAREI when they became involved in a scuffle. According to Hughes, Edghill grabbed his client and in the process was injured when his own gun went off. The Attorney related that both men are licenced firearm holders. However, Hughes’ bail application was met with objection from Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Solomon. Solomon asked the court
Sean Stoll
to deny the accused his pre-trial liberty citing the prevalence and nature of the offence. He also pointed out that should the accused be released on bail there is a likelihood that he might tamper with the prosecution’s witnesses. The prosecutor indicated that police investigations are still ongoing in the matter. But Solomon’s objections were overruled by Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul who granted Stoll bail with conditions attached. The accused was ordered to lodge his passport and report to the Sparendaam Police Station every Friday. This matter has been adjourned until June 23, for reports.
If Ministerial increases meant... (From page 24) Minister’s salary per annum would be $20,580,000 and the Vice-Presidents’ salaries as $11,135,064. Cabinet Ministers’ salaries were listed as $10,439,124 per annum, while the Junior Ministers were listed as receiving $8,346,492 per annum. Groups such as Transparency Institute of Guyana Incorporated (TIGI) had stated that the increases were made as though the administration had hoped that it would go unnoticed. The then TIGI head, Calvin Bernard, had described the salary for the public sector as “shameful” and likely to drive some to corruption. Following the 2015 budget being tabled, the basic minimum wage was increased from
$39,540 to $50,000 effective July 1. In addition, all other public servants received a five percent increase and $5,000 monthly. When Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, was confronted on the issue and the justification behind the increases, he had made it clear that there could not be a situation such as in the past, when a Minister was prepared to accept a “lowly” salary, but engage in corrupt activities. He had stated that this Government would not be corrupt and would moreover sign a code of conduct, requiring them to act at a different level. Harmon had also reflected that what was once paid to Ministers was what he paid his attorneys and that Ministers would have to be paid well “if we want them to perform.”
PAGE 28
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Two experienced salesgirls, come in with application @ 158 Regent Street. Call: 6703107; 227-8614
OFFICE CLERK, CLEANING LADY AND BOND WORKER FOR A COMPANY IN RUIMVELDT. POLICE CLEARANCE & REFERENCES NEEDED – TEL: 231-85198
FOR SALE
VEHICLE FOR SALE
Flat house in Grove, (corner property) 1 Block from main road, price negotiable. Call: 1905-6262572
LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Sale! Sale! 3116 Cat Engine$1,150,000; 3208 Cat Engine$850,000; 3406 Cat Engine$1,250,000- Contact# 6500402/260-4988 House Lots for sale $3.9M @ Boodhoo’s Housing Scheme, Blankenburg. Contact#650-0402/260-4988
Very low prices on unregistered cars: Allions, Bluebird, Mazda, Fielder, used Rav4. Call: 626-7478; 676-8876 New model vehicles unregistered Spacio & Allion. Call: 681-7117; 2275900
Unbeatable Prices!!! Spacio$2,095,000; Ist-$1,995,000; Fielder-$1,995,000-Contact# 650-0402/260-4988
One Toyota Spacio 2002$1.2M. Call: 668-7988
Transported property @ Grove $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 Newly built @ Craig E.B.Dland size 91X50 feet; house 40X28 – 3 rooms- 1 self contained. Call: 718-2136496; 617-7691
Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities –Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 Property @ Block 8 Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara -$16M. Call: 654-4312; 6575330 Transported Property @ Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo. Call: 639-7903 Property @ Cummings Street; 4 storey building, club, 8 self contain rooms. Call: 628-0016; 667-2536
Housekeeping staff, male desk staff and male security guard- Call: 225-0198 or visit 233 South Road, Lacytown
Cook/baker for the Interior location, applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020 Cashier 6am-3pm & 3pm12pm. Submit application to Shell Station Providence EBD, shellramsburg@ gmail.com Poolside supervisor at Aracari Resort. Call: 264-2946 for more information One counter attendant please apply to Dian’s Deli, Barr Street Kitty.
EDUCATIONAL I.A.E Classes for CSEC January/June 2017: Mathematics, English A, Business & Science Subject for Students, Adults & repeaters. Call: 683-5742 Special 50th Anniversary! Computer Package: 9 courses, windows 10, Office 2016 -$40,000 @ Micrographics, Vreed-enHoop. Call: 264-3057 Special 50th Anniversary! Computer package: 4 course in computerized Accounting $35,000 @ Micrographics, Vreed-en-Hoop. Call: 264-3057
DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807 Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494
1-Cat 928 F Wheel Loader$7.3M; 1-Light Tower$850,000; 1-Perkins Welding Plan-$850,000- Contact#6500402/260-4988
TO LET One bedroom apartment for rent – only working couple with no kids. Call: 664-2861 Furnished 2 bedrooms apartment in Eccles – short & long term. Book Now! Call: 698-7807; 225-3234 One bedroom apartment for rent; couple or single person @ Middle Road La Penitence. Call: 226-6343; 686-4564
Toyota Fun Cargo, AT212, AT192, AT170, Tundra, LTouring, Wagon, VVTZ, 4X4 Solid DEF pick up & Nissan Pickup unregistered. Call: 644-5096; 697-1453
1- Backhoe, JCB-Call: 6631372 Nissan X-Trail 2013 model, fully loaded, 2500 cc cut 31000KM -$8.9M negotiable, serious enquiries only. Call:685-3069; 644-9141
Spare for washing machine, microwaves,fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc. Call:225-9032;647-2943;6045198
One 125CC XR for sale $270,000 –Call: 699-7870; 698-8503 One AE110 XE Limited sprinter, very good condition; female driven. Call: 223-0654 1-Old model Raum in excellent condition, price $900,000 negotiable-Call: 642-4416 1-6ft wood lathe, 1-4ft wood lathe; prices negotiable $420,000. Call: 646-4416
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Two bedrooms bottom flat @ lot 6 Drysdale St Charlestown -$50,000 monthly. Call: 677-5031; 2319334 Second floor for rent at 26 Sheriff Street C/Ville. Call: 628-7953 Three bedrooms flat on 347 East Street for rent, residence or business. Call: 223-4565; 672-3161
2 Pools table (slate) –Call: 616-0398; 687-1757 Empty Drums for sale contact 223-5273 One front house and one 2 storey back house for sale @ 180 Charlotte Street Bourda. Call: 226-5183; 227-6817; 6247341
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM
Unbeatable Prices!!! Audi A4-$3,750,000; BMW 318i$2,750,000; Premio 2008$2,850,000- Contact#6500402/260-4988
1 Week Sale! Dell/HP computers with 19" flat screens -$45,000, lap tops $55,000 -(6 months warranty) @ Future Tech. Call: 2312206; 644-6760
Cook needed at Aracari Resort, experience is necessary. Call: 264-2946
Nanny (age 25 to 40 ) for a 5 year old, contact 223-5273 1 Girl to sell scoop ice cream on canter- Call: 693-2897
PROPERTY FOR SALE
2-13 Soesdyke, E.B.D – Call Debbie: 917-474-5434; 6412661
Kitchen Cleaner to work in the interior, ages 23-40. Call: 670-8182
One domestic must be able to prepare vegetarian mealapply Alabama Trading Georgetown, Ferry Stelling. TOURS Suriname Tours: Labour Day Weekend April 29, 2016May, 2nd 2016 & Indian Arrival Weekend May 5th8th, 2016. Call: 663-5171; 6927270; 639-2663; 223-0056
Wednesday May 04, 2016
Kaieteur News
Stamps! Valuable Stamp collection -12,000 and over for sale. Call: 624-7341; 227-6817 One Isuzu trooper diesel engine and transmission 4JG2 turbo intercooler, foreign used. Call: 669-2290
LAND FOR SALE Land @ Enmore E.C.D. Call: 628-0016; 667-2536 La Parfaite Harmonie from $1.3M-$3M, Eccles -$4M$5.5M, Herstelling -$3M-$5, Bartica-$3M-$4M. Call: 6818897; 651-1969
Wednesday May 04, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Minister Noel Holder is still in the dark Clean up of Georgetown is a great thing
DEAR EDITOR; It was reported in the news media on April 29, that Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder and his delegation returned home after a familiarization tour of the InterAmerican Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and Costa Rica in Central America. It was claimed that Minister Holder held fruitful discussions with the IICA and sought technical assistance for the Ministry of Agriculture to better understand Guyana’s topography, soil characteristic and low crop productivity as well as means and methods to optimise marketing of surplus crop production and a swift strategy for dairy production in the country. Exploratory visits were also made to banana and cocoa plantations. It was evident that Minister Holder’s whirlwind visit to the IICA and Costa Rica at taxpayers’ expense lacked a clear vision for agricultural development in Guyana as he departed the country without a viable agriculture development plan which would have provided a blueprint for specific assistance and investment from the institutions he visited. He returned home empty handed but listed a lot of facilities he visited purportedly to justify his mission. After a year in office Minister Holder seemed to have lost his way.
He has prepared no development plan for agriculture which is in disarray for consideration and implementation by the APNU+AFC Govt. Rice and sugar are on the skid. Yet he seems to be devoting his energies dreaming about the development of cocoa, bananas, livestock and dairying whereas he should be giving more attention to the promising Rice Industry to make it more efficient and productive. For example, the drainage and i r r i g a t i o n s y s t ems should be improved to allow farmers to grow three crops per year. Varieties should be developed for higher yields. The marketing board should be restructured to enable surpluses to be sold quickly and profitably on the world market thereby cutting out the long wait farmers have to endure to receive payment for their crops. Sugar will never return to its former glory since the industry is not viable and is quickly falling apart as the capital investment necessary to make it efficient and productive to compete on the world market is just not available. Minister Holder is still in a quandary as to what should be done to the sugar estates as production slides and subsidies mount but he is bent on closing them one by one with no alternative productive use for the farmlands and employment
for the displaced workers. Livestock development in the Rupununi and immediate savannahs should be seriously considered but cattle breeds have to be developed and ranches improved to provide the quantity and quality of beef required for export. A visit by experts from the Guyana Livestock Authority to Brazil and Uruguay rather than Costa Rica to gain knowledge in these areas will be most helpful for the development of Guyana’s fledgling industry. Finally, Guyana has no commercial dairy production although in years gone by milk from as far away as Leguan Island and Mahaica was being transported daily to a plant in Kingston for processing and sale. Bookers had an experimental dairy at Bel Air while the PNC Govt./DDL also had one at Versailles. Somewhere in the archives, there should be a trove of valuable information with respect to the success/ failure of these dairies. The information thus retrieved together with what Minister Holder recently gathered from Costa Rica could very well form the basis for the start of a viable dairy industry in Guyana. Therefore, Minister Holder should stop ‘dragging his feet’ and make a positive start quickly. Charles Sohan
Condemnation of Donald Ramotar continues DEAR EDITOR; I have just read an online article purportedly written by Former President Donald Ramotar, captioned ‘The racist tactics of the APNU+AFC regime’, published by Citizens Report (May1/2016). This article must be condemned as it is a deliberate attempt to stir up racial strife in Guyana. Against the backdrop of the conduct of accused Bibi Safoora Salim, who was recently charged for posting a statement ‘Granger want a bullet in his head’, Mr. Ramotar’s article can be viewed as a dangerous call calculated to incite and excite hostility against the person of HE President David A. Granger and the leadership of the APNU+AFC. To s u p p o r t h i s t h e s i s , Ramotar cites that one of the moves the APNU+AFC made when it assumed office was to commence mass dismissal of persons of Indo-Guyanese and A m e r i n d i a n s a n c e s t r y. M a s s firing meant mass hiring. M r. R a m o t a r c u n n i n g l y ignores that fact that the PPP/C engaged in mass hiring of persons many of whom were not the most qualified persons to positions but based on their political affiliation, from amongst the Amerindian and East Indian communities. This includes Ramotar ’s own children, who
were chosen for plum positions earning super-salaries, when I am sure other more experienced and qualified persons were available and not hired. The same is applies to many other offsprings of PPP senior party members, and their supporters. I am unaware of any of the children of President Granger being catapulted to a government or state agency job. His claim therefore that Amerindians were laid off due to their ethnicity, is nothing but a lie, as he knows that those persons who were on the payroll of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and other government agencies were PPP/PYO activists, who were hired to walk around wearing PPP TShirts, promoting the great virtue of Mr. Ramotar’s presidency. Mr. Ramotar is no fool as some would like to peddle. He is a seasoned politician of some standing, and now laying the groundwork to make a play at the PPP Congress for a greater stake in the leadership of the PPP. Mr. Ramotar knows that when he attacks the APNU+AFC he is directly attacking President Granger who is the leader of the coalition team to score points amongst his rank and file. However, in doing so he has miscalculated badly as his argument when examined against our recent history nails the lie. Mr. Ramotar I am sure is familiar with the ECONOMIC RECOVERY PROGRAM and shift to a market-
driven economy introduced under the leadership of the late great, President Hugh Desmond Hoyte. That program created significant dislocations in the labour force, as many government employees lost their jobs from state agencies, with the shift to the private sector expansion. He would therefore have known that the majority of these employees who joined the unemployment line were Afro-Guyanese who worked in the state sector but also included Indo-Guyanese and Amerindians. Using Mr. Ramotar’s logic are we to conclude that President Hoyte was engaged in ethnic cleansing of his own race? History has shown that Mr. Hoyte did not pander to his own race, but took tough decisions, (some have argued he had no choice, but there are always choices), to shift our economy in a direction that caused the greatest pain to AfroGuyanese, the majority of whom supported the PNC. Hoyte understood that economic pain had to be endured for long term gain. But Ramoutar was bellowing aloud then that the ERP meant Empty Rice Pot. He didn’t care about the workers. He was just circling the wagons around racist arguments to corral the ethnic vote in his party’s favour. This is the hypocrisy of the man and now repeating himself targeting President David Granger. As a former president I expected better of Ramotar! Jerome Khan
DEAR EDITOR; The massive cleanup of the capital Georgetown led by City Hall is a great thing for Guyana. The effort by all involved is highly commended. Maintenance of the level of cleanliness reached would also have to be a priority for the effort to be a success. Editor, it is hoped that the temporary relocation of the vendors to facilitate the Stabroek Market image enhancement is expedited in a timely and respectful manner. The
vendors are all part of our interesting Guyanese fabric that is on display for the world to see. The Reuse, Recycle, and Reduce Program for the schools initiated by City Hall is a good way to promote the anti-littering culture among the youth and all Guyanese as a whole. This initiative should be promoted in schools country wide. Finally, is it possible for Kaieteur News to provide coverage on cleanup and anti-littering activities being promoted throughout Guyana, especially in the other densely populated areas? Keith Fraser
More criticism of Minister Ramjattan DEAR EDITOR; For the past two months or more, there hasn’t been a day where the crime situation in Guyana, has not dominated the headlines of the more popular dailies. One has to be real naive not to observe that violent crime is on the rise, and that there is no evident macro plan to counter this. The noticeable absence of any type of proactive approach seems to be a motivation for anyone with a gun to get into the business of armed robbery. I am forced to deduce that this is all happening as a consequence of the lack of visionary leadership at both the Ministry of Public Security and the Guyana Police Force. This situation is further compounded with the tragic conditions prevailing at the Georgetown Prisons, which also falls
under the ambit of the Minister of Public Security. Minister Ramathan is obviously out of his depth at this Ministry, and his Commissioner is like Alice in Wonderland. While I understand the provisions of the Cummingsburg Accord, Mr. President, I urge you to consider removing both Mr. Ramjattan and the Commissioner of Police from their respective appointments, before the crime situation escalates to a catastrophe and brings your government down. While Mr. Ramjattan may be a clever lawyer, Public Security is definitely not his forte. Ramjattan is a round peg in a square hole at the Public Security Ministry, unable to fill the requirements of his portfolio. He should be reshuffled to a ministry for which his qualifications make him suitable. This is my humble advice as a worried citizen. George Gomes Lieutenant Colonel (retired)
Cruelty to these baby parrots DEAR EDITOR; On Saturday April 16/16 I was fruit shopping on the vendor’s mall when I heard some cries from a basket. I looked around and to my horror saw a man with a wire basket full of young and baby parrots. It was around 9am and a very hot morning, I observed there was no water in the basket for them. I asked the man why he was selling such young birds (many had no feathers and the ones that did look very stressed); he had no answer. Editor, I was left with many questions: 1. Where are the trappers/ traders getting these babies from? 2. Is it legal to trade immature
parrots? 3. Does anyone care about the future supply of such beautiful birds? 4. Are there any local parrot/birdbreeding facilities to help ensure a long term supply? 5. Who is responsible for monitoring wild animal sales in public markets? With the increasing number of unemployed people, animal exports seem to be on the rise. As exports and climatic conditions reduce our domestic animal populations; this is bound to have a negative impact on Guyana’s growing tourist market. “Study nature , love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you. “…Frank Lloyd Wright. Syeada Manbodh
This person’s story may not... From page 5 workers to follow the instructions of the Transport & Harbours Department, some workers are delinquent. In situations like this, for the management of Transport & Harbours Department to reassess the workers in the Department the
writer cannot be anonymous. The Management must be written to, by the passenger that was disenfranchised and some form of evidence must be available so that action can be taken, or for an inquiry be held into the matter. Godfrey Whyte President General
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Wednesday May 04, 2016
Kaieteur News
THE VOICE OF THE LIBERAL DEMOCRATS...
GOVERNING BY DESIGN By Sase Singh
INTRODUCTION Many incoming governments have undertaken ambitious programmes to remake the way their country is managed. One New Zealand government made a campaign promise to reduce their government spending by 1.3 percent of GDP while simultaneously improving the quality of service offered to the public and they did. Malaysia said they were going to reduce crime by 30 percent in three years and they did. Morocco said they would increase industrial output by 46 percent within five years and they did. The key common thread was how these progressive governments projectmanaged their first 100 days in office. In that time period, their road maps were laid out, their best teams were assembled and their top political executives did everything possible to break down barriers that could have destabilized success. Did the same happen in Guyana after the May 2015 elections? FRESH THINKING After the Ramotar government lost the elections, most of the people were prepared to throw their backs into the national project which entailed molding the nation into an environment that supports “the good life”. But that could only have happened with a heavy dose of fresh thinking. Unfortunately as we approach the 50th anniversary celebration, the empirical evidence clearly establishes that we are having anything but fresh thinking in Guyana. At the operational level, we find little evidence that much has changed from the PPP mode, save and except for a wonderful clean-up campaign. Cabinet still grants no-objection on all major procurement, and sole sourcing still continues without just cause, just like it happened under the PPP, in spite of serious objection from the current government Ministers when they were on the opposition benches. As a financial analyst, and with the kind of information at my disposal, I cannot buy the line that the Treasury was empty in May 2015; it was not. Where is all this cash today? Why are we struggling as a nation to use what we have to lift all the boats across the land? Why are only the boats that belong to the new cabal in town, lifting these days? How significantly different is that from how the Ramotar administration functioned in the days of poor governance? It comes down to the lack of one simple process – a plan that is well monitored for deliverables and evaluated for impact. What we are witnessing today is a reactive
government that is increasingly selfcentered rather than a proactive one. We will never achieve the “good life” if this modus operandi continues. There is good news; it is not too late to fix this. One example - Guyana has established a whole new Ministry dedicated to citizenry, but yet the ordinary citizens have to waste countless hours standing in line (rain or shine), waiting for their documents. This is an unacceptable level of performance, especially after the Coalition promised in its 100 Days Plan that it would establish “passport and birth certificate and licencing offices in Berbice, Essequibo and Linden” within that time period. Not done! Fix it! Just do it! IMPROVING THE LIVES OF OUR CITIZENS
Guyana is missing a tremendous opportunity to Sase improve the quality of life for its citizens by failing to capitalize on the benefits of having all of these natural resources. And do not dare give me the excuse that the world economic conditions are not favourable to support such a transformation. How is it possible for other countries with less natural resources to buck the global trend? It takes an attitude at the highest levels, which demands the conversion of disadvantages into workable advantages. Mediocrity is too common place in the new Government. The blame for this entire mess can be nailed down to the people chosen to manage the engine room of this ship, and I am not referring to the Captains in the Cabinet. I am referring to the technicians in the engine room. As Ramon Gaskin reminded us, some of the cadre of people we have on the Boards of Directors and as Head of Agencies are “cardboards” rather than real boards, and he is absolutely correct. Many of the people we have on the Boards in the new government never ran a cake shop much less a real agency. This is where the great let down is occurring and deeply hurting the Granger administration. In many cases we have chosen clerical minds and academics to run a government and the Cabinet can press full throttle as much as they want, if the engine of government continues to malfunction, this ship is not going reach its destination in a hurry. Sector after sector, we are failing on the critical expectation of bringing in the money, advancing the r e q u i r e d e c o n o m i c transformation, expanding the wealth capacity of the nation and creating the
new jobs for the people.
THESEARE NEW TIMES The Granger administration was voted in to break away from the business-as-usual mode as practiced under the Ramotar administration, but its philosophy of incrementalism is not working. What is needed is that push for big reforms beyond the norm, to leave a legacy replete with acts of successful human advancement. Firstly, are we training our people in the right skills? This country needs engineers, educationists, scientists and entrepreneurs desperately, but collectively these pools of talent are the minority on the UG campus. Not much has changed on this front in the last 11 months. Secondly, we accused the PPP government of spending Singh more than $700 million annually on international travels and guess what? The 2016 Coalition budget has allocated more than $700 million for international travels. Nothing has changed on this front. In the new world, senior government officials are using technology such as video conferencing so that they can spend more time doing real work, and less time gallivanting all over the globe wasting
taxpayers’ dollars. It is called working smarter. This nation is on a developmental pause because Ministers have to travel. But there are very limited returns from these international travels, since life is not getting easier for the people they are supposed to serve. One would have thought that after almost a year in office, we would have conducted the essential reforms, commenced the construction of the new operating environment and re-engineered the mode of how the government serves the people, especially the business community. One would have thought we would have already established a Procurement Commission, a refocused GO-Invest, the Public Service Staff College, all focused on driving the new operational paradigm, where the focus is on income; not expenditure. CONCLUSION May 2015 was a watershed in Guyana’s history, because it was supposed to represent a second chance at building national unity and institutionalizing social cohesion. So far, not so good! We have to find answers to our strategic issues or else we will continue to slip further and further behind to the back of the class. Under President Hoyte, Guyana was able to accomplish more with 11 Ministries than is being accomplished today with 18 Ministries. How many Ministers do we have today? I do not know because I have lost count after the number 26.
Wednesday May 04, 2016
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Kaieteur News
City Hall resolves to transform Georgetown …not put vendors out of business
Some disgruntled vendors assembled near the Ministry of the Presidency. City Hall’s ongoing efforts to transform the streets and market squares of Georgetown have met with mixed reactions, with the public seemingly divided. Some think that the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is after the vendors that were until Sunday encamped and encroaching the city streets and pavements, while others insist that the clearing and cleaning of the Stabroek Market Square, Water Street and Longden Street is a step in the right direction. As was previously reported by this newspaper, the movement started on Sunday with a clean-up of the
Stabroek Market Square which was since extended to Monday, and which saw Water and Longden Streets being cleared of all illicit structures and stalls. Monday’s exercise was monitored by Town Clerk Royston King who had stated that anyone found guilty of infractions against City Regulations would be dealt with accordingly. The illicit structures along Water and Longden Streets were marked for dismantling, but some vendors had asked for an extension of time for removal of goods and various items. This extension was granted, the stalls were since
removed and the area cleared. Public Relations Officer of M&CC Debra Lewis stated all vendors and businesses in the area were given notice and they had all indicated their willingness to cooperate, but on the day of the exercise; some had complied while others did not. She further stated that they (M&CC) had cause to remove several mobile stands and stocks of some vendors, which were then taken to City Hall’s compound. She continued that while some vendors collected their stands and stocks, up to yesterday around 17:00 hrs, several persons were yet to uplift their
Complete review of cable industry imminent - GNBA Chairman A complete review of the cable industry is imminent, says Chairman of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA), Leonard Craig. At a recent press conference held at GNBA’s Kingston office, Craig, in the presence of the other Board members told the media that the Board is not comfortable with the current state of affairs. The Chairman said that deliberations are still in process with respect to fees for the cable systems. He also indicated that the Board is in dialogue with the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) on issues relating to the allocation of frequencies. “The board is of the opinion that an unfair advantage exists with respect to spectrum use, creating virtual monopolies for the certain favoured individuals. A complete review is recommended.” Last evening the Chairman told Kaieteur News that the Board has already started the review process. He said that it has been decided that the review will be done in stages. First, the Board will be looking at the industry as
GNBA Chairman, Leonard Craig a whole with a view to developing a way forward for the industry in the interest of the people of Guyana. “We are looking at the make-up of the industry in Guyana, comparing it to the rest of the world to see how we can make Guyana better in this regard.” Craig said that the Board will then move on to addressing individual companies and the “favoured ones.” The Chairman said that the Board has given itself a
timeline. “By the end of the month we as a Board will be able to face the media and say where we are in this process and how we will go about clamping down on certain issues.” Craig was keen to note that there can be variances with the timeline, but said “that is my estimation.” A little before former President, Bharrat Jagdeo, stepped down from office, he gave a gift to a few, some of whom are now cable operators. None of the established cable television operators were considered. Rather, two newcomers, E-Networks Inc. and Quark Communications Inc., were both granted permission to broadcast cable TV over the 2.5GHz frequency band. E-Network is controlled by Vishok Persaud, son of former PPP Parliamentarian, Reepu Daman Persaud, while Quark Communications is owned by Brian Yong, a candidate for the ruling party in the 2011 General and Regional Elections. Both are close friends of Jagdeo. Frequencies are limited resources under strict monitoring by governments worldwide.
property. Lewis emphasized that persons do not have to pay a removal fee or any fees for that matter, but simply have to identify and uplift their belongings. In a brief interview with Kaieteur News Lewis stated that M&CC continue to work as quickly as possible to prepare the new location earmarked for the temporary reloction of those displaced vendors. This newspaper understands that in a matter of days the proposed site should be ready for occupancy. “We ask those displaced to be patient with us (M&CC) as we strive to prepare the new location properly so that you (vendors) can be in a comfortable and secure environment.” Lewis indicated that as was previously reported, the new location would be equipped with sanitary facilities, proper lighting and around-the-clock security. A source close to the “Markets Department” stated that an investigation was carried out and it was found that quite a number of persons peddling their wares in the city streets were owners of stalls in the Stabroek Market.
The new vending location currently under preparation.
Several mobile stands and stocks yet to be uplifted in City Hall’s compound. This is an issue that Town Clerk Royston King had addressed at a recent meeting with vendors of the Stabroek Market area. King had indicated that if persons were found to be stallholders, they would be sent back to their stalls or as an alternative, have the stalls taken from them and given to someone else that “really needs it”. “The persons that venture onto the streets and are owners of stalls are greedy,” King had stated. He noted that this was causing overcrowding of the pavements and streets of Georgetown. Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan and PRO Debra Lewis shared the same senti-
ment - that vendors should be aware that it is the M&CC’s responsibilty to look after the interest and welfare of all citizens of Georgetown and not just be partial to one sector. Lewis had also noted that City Hall is trying to ensure that fair, organized and legitimate vending is carried out throughout the various City Market municipalities. In an earlier article Deputy Mayor Duncan had stated that ‘’if Georgetown is to achieve international status, change is imperative.’’ “This change has to include reordering, reorganizing, and subsequent beautification, all of which are integral parts of the general transformation of the city.”
Senior City Police rank in custody for assaulting girlfriend A Superintendant attached to the Mayor and City Council’s City Police Division was detained last night after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend. According to reports, the two had shared a nine-month
relationship, but yesterd a y, t h e 2 8 - y e a r - o l d woman indicated that she wanted to end the friendship. Kaieteur News was told that the superintendant, who was
armed and under the influence of alcohol, later showed up at the woman’s North Sophia home. He then assaulted her. Police ranks were notified and the rank was taken into custody.
PAGE 32
Commissioner wants JDF to increase joint patrols KINGSTON, Jamaica — Police Commissioner Dr Carl Williams says discussions are underway with the Jamaica Defence Force to increase the number of security personnel on the nation’s roads to combat the surge in murders across the island. Over 300 people have been killed since the start of the year. Williams, speaking to journalists at a press conference at his office on Monday, said the Police High Command views the increase in
murder and crime overall seriously. “…We are doing everything we can to ensure that Jamaicans are safe. We’re also doing everything to ensure that visitors to our country are safe. We are working with the military to see whether or not we can roll out s o m e a d d i t i o n a l personnel to some other areas where we have problems,” the Commissioner said. He also said the move is in an effort to ensure wider
Dr Carl Williams and more effective presence to reduce opportunities for crimes and especially violent crimes.
Argentine Ambassador Juan Jose Acuri and Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders (right) ate a solution to a political and constitutional stalemate in Haiti in early February that threatened civil strife and instability. The chair of the Council declared that, as the head of a special OAS mission to Haiti, Sanders “contributed to key negotiations conducted between the various Haitian political actors to achieve a solution to the crisis”. In presenting Sanders with a plaque, commemorating his presidency, the Argentine ambassador declared: “Ambassador, your diplomatic skills and professionalism are recognized in
this room and were clearly demonstrated during your tenure in the presidency of the Council.” Responding briefly, the Antigua and Barbuda ambassador called for the Permanent Council to re-orient itself to its essential role as a governing body of the organisation and to restore its importance in guiding and managing the affairs of the OAS. Sanders said, “This is vital, if the organisation is to deliver on its obligations to the people of its member states.” (Caribbean News)
Bahamas to host next meeting of Education WASHINGTON - CMC – Ministers of the Americas The Bahamas will host the next meeting of Ministers of Education of the Americas in 2017. The Organisation of American States (OAS) and The Bahamas signed an agreement selecting the country to host the February 9-10 meeting. The OAs said that the signing took place last week during a Roundtable on Education in the Americas meeting, which it hosted and where experts debated a number of
issues including the common educational agenda of the member states.; the role of teachers as well as science and technology as catalysts for education and life opportunities. The Principal Specialist of Economic Investigation at the Inter-American Development Bank, Samuel Berlinski made presentations to the meeting. The President of the Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network Agency
PM unaware of move to decriminalize ganja - AG acts alone
OAS pays tribute to AntiguaBarbuda ambassador’s Permanent Council presidency
WASHINGTON, USA — The Organisation of American States (OAS) on Monday paid tribute to Antigua and Barbuda’s ambassador, Sir Ronald Sanders, for his successful presidency of the Permanent Council, the governing body of the organisation. In praising Sanders’ stewardship of the Council, the current chairman, Argentina’s ambassador, Juan Jose Acuri, speaking in the presence of high representatives of all 34 member states, said: “Ambassador Sanders successfully led the activities of the Council in the past three months. During that period, the Authority held 14 meetings to discuss various issues, including the financial situation of the Organisation, the strategic vision, the modernisation of management of the Secretariat and adoption of the programme budget end of the organisation for the second year the biennium 2015-2016.” Sanders had made the financial circumstances of the OAS and its future a theme of his presidency. The OAS Council also recalled the pivotal role Sanders played in helping to medi-
Wednesday May 04, 2016
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(CKLNA), Kenneth Sylvester Bahamas Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald noted that it was an honour to have been nominated and elected as Chair of the Inter-American Committee on Education (CIE) and host for the upcoming meeting. He said that for the Bahamas, education and human development remain the most important ingredients for sustainable progressive economic and social development”.
Trinidad Guardian - Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has admitted that in the sevenplus months it has been in Government, no time was spent examining the decriminalisation of marijuana. He revealed this Monday minutes before he left for a 12day trip to the US, UK and Ghana. He made the comment in response to a question on a T&T Guardian article Monday, headlined “AG looks at legal ganja”, which suggested Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi had started the process of looking at the possibility of decriminalising ganja. Rowley said he would be surprised if Al-Rawi spoke to decriminalising marijuana despite the fact that it was not discussed in Cabinet. “I lead the Cabinet and I don’t know that any such examination is taking place. I’ve seen the headline, I haven’t read the story but I’m pretty sure the Attorney General will really want to explain that. We have been in office for seven months and so whatever conversation generated that headline, there is certainly some misunderstanding there,” Rowley said.
In the article, Al-Rawi said Government had begun statistical groundwork for decriminalising marijuana possession and was also reviewing the Dangerous Drugs Act. He also said a wide consultation will be planned before any policy decision is taken. However, Rowley was adamant that decriminalising marijuana is not something that the Government is examining at this point in time. Asked whether it was something the Government would look at, Rowley replied, “What happens in the future we will deal with that when we get to it.” Speaking to members of the media after Rowley left on his trip, Al-Rawi insisted he was speaking as Attorney General and not on behalf of the Government. “I am the Attorney General of T&T and it is quite simple, the questions posed to me by Gail Alexander were in the context of the work that’s going on in the prison system. Specifically, the questions were posed in the context of the maximum sentencing approach and the issue that the Archbishop has raised, which coincides with the issue that we put into the
public domain of really looking to see how people who are remanded have been managed by the criminal justice system,” Al-Rawi said. He said that statistics were being looked at, as one could not engage in the exercise of sentence applications or treatment of remandees on marijuana possession matters without looking at the statistical impact. He admitted though that he does not report everything that goes on in the Office of the AG to the Prime Minister, in terms of examination of material or case by case aspects nor does the Prime Minister or others engage in the same and with other ministries.
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – The Trinidad-based Association of Caribbean MediaWorkers (ACM) yesterday reiterated its call for free access to official information in the development process. In a message marking World Press Freedom day, the ACM said that it has joined with partner organisations all over the world – through the Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD) – in successfully lobbying for inclusion of the principle of open public access to information in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “That the measure was eventually included as Goal 16.10 signalled to us that this small region is capable of contributing meaningfully to the global conversation on the value of free access to official information in the development process,” the ACM stated. It recalled that Last October, at its Biennial General Assembly in Trinidad, the ACM passed a resolution re-
minding all Caribbean governments that each country has a “moral, political and legal obligation to its citizens to ensure that these rights are respected. “We also called on all states to take “prompt and credible steps towards fulfillment of this goal, insofar as it may require the advancing, passage and promulgation of Freedom of Access to Information legislation and regulations.” World Press Freedom day is being observed under the theme “Access to Information and Fundamental Freedoms” and the ACM said it strikes at the heart of its mandate to participate in the shaping of societies committed to greater openness and transparency in the conduct of public affairs through the fostering of respect for freedom of expression and freedom of the press. “World Press Freedom Day provides us with an opportunity to collectively take stock of our status when it comes not only to Goal 16.10 of the SDGs but in the ongo-
ing struggle to achieve much greater buy-in for the belief that press freedom has the potential to be a net contributor to development through better informed citizens benefitting from a free exchange of information, opinion, analysis and debate.” The region media organisation said that this year’s activities also coincide with observance of its 15th anniversary. “Through the years, in collaboration with our national affiliates and focal points in Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, the Bahamas, Curacao, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago, we believe we have contributed significantly to shining light on the press freedom challenges of the region, while maintaining a strong focus on bringing media workers in greater communion with each other across national borders and promoting professional development in the practice of journalism.
Dr Keith Rowley
ACM wants free access to official information
Wednesday May 04, 2016
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Nobel laureate urges Modi to curb child slavery as India reels from drought NEW DELHI (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi has appealed to the prime minister of India to prioritize children and ensure they are not trafficked, forced into marriage or put into bonded labour as the country reels from its worst drought in decades. In a letter to Narendra Modi, the child rights activist urged him to declare the drought a national emergency, saying that the lives of more than 160 million children were at stake. “Reports of children being forced into child labour, trafficking, child marriage, and the devadasi (dedicating girls to service in temples) system are coming to light with children increasingly dropping out from school ... and large scale migration due to this crisis,” Satyarthi wrote.The letter was circulated to the media yesterday by his office. “Owing to this drought and the on-going water crisis, children are becoming increasingly vulnerable. In the coming months, there is an increased risk of lakhs (hundreds of thousands) of children becoming victims of these circumstances.”
Kailash Satyarthi The government estimates more than 330 million people - almost a quarter of India’s population - have been hit by the scarcity of water in states such as Maharashtra in the west and Karnataka in the south. As crops wither and livestock perish, ten of thousands of people are migrating in search of food, water and jobs, leaving behind women, children and older family members who are vulnerable to exploitation by traffickers.
Figures given by Satyarthi’s office showed the number of children dropping out of school in the ten drought-affected states had risen by 22 percent, while child trafficking cases had increased by 24 percent. Satyarthi, who was awarded the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize jointly with Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai, ended his letter calling upon Modi make children “a top priority” in the government’s relief and rehabilitation efforts.
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Wednesday May 04, 2016
EU executive to propose reforming asylum system
A girl looks on as migrants line up to receive personal hygiene goods distributed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), outside the main building of the disused Hellenikon airport where stranded refugees and migrants, most of them Afghans. REUTERS/ALKIS KONSTANTINIDIS Reuters - The European Union’s executive will propose a reform of the bloc’s asylum rules yesterday, EU sources said that reflects caution in the face of deep divisions among governments about how to handle the migration crisis. The European Commission last month floated scrapping a rule in the so-called Dublin system that gives responsibility for handling asylum claims to the first EU state a person enters — a rule that has placed heavy burdens on Greece and Italy. However, two sources said, it would now issue a legislative proposal retaining the “first country” principle while including a central scheme to spread claimants around Europe to give the frontline states the chance to relocate asylum seekers to other EU countries if arrivals on their borders are too high. An emergency relocation system set up last year after record numbers of refugees and migrants reached Greece
was agreed in the face of fierce opposition from east Europeans. Slovakia and Hungary have challenged the legality of the measure and Hungary plans a referendum on any more quotas this autumn. Any proposal will need to win the backing of a majority of the 28 EU states as well as the European Parliament for it to be enacted and EU officials and diplomats do not expect agreement swiftly. An EU source said separately that the Commission would also propose a “financial sanction mechanism” for countries that refuse to take in claimants. “It should therefore go beyond symbolism but be understood as prohibitive pricing,” the source said. “If a member state does not show solidarity in taking in refugees, it has to compensate with financial solidarity.” Last year, a Commission suggestion that would have given countries an option to pay 0.002 percent of national income to help migrants in-
stead of taking in asylum seekers was not endorsed by leaders. One east European diplomat in Brussels said a new proposal for financial penalties would also be unpopular. Germany - the EU’s biggest economy and the final destination for most of the more than a million migrants who arrived in the bloc last year - is keen to see a permanent mechanism to share out the load. Ex-communist states in central and eastern Europe say their homogeneous societies are ill equipped to take in large numbers of migrants, especially from the Middle East or Africa. Diplomats speculate that the division over migration between Eastern states and richer Western members which pay for the EU grants and subsidies they receive could affect negotiations on the bloc’s budget. Officials hope, however, that an EU agreement with Turkey last month that has seen a sharp drop in refugees arriving in Greece could ease internal tensions over the migration issue, which has fuelled a rise in nationalist parties across Europe. Also today, the Commission is set to propose easing visa requirements for Turks as part of the deal, though that also faces difficulties with governments and EU lawmakers who argue that Ankara has not met all the conditions, notably on improving its human rights record.
Wednesday May 04, 2016
South Africa slip to sixth in Test rankings, Pakistan rise to third ESPNCRICINFO - South Africa have dropped to No. 6 in the Test rankings, while Pakistan have climbed to third place, in the annual update released by the ICC on Tuesday. Australia have taken a six-point lead over secondplaced India, while Pakistan trail India by only one point. England and New Zealand benefited from South Africa’s drop, moving to fourth and fifth respectively. West Indies retained their eighth-place ranking but lead Bangladesh by only eight points. South Africa and West Indies lost the most points in the update, 17 and 11 respectively. The calculation process dropped results from 2012-13, while outcomes from 2014-15 were weighted at
50%. Only the latest results had 100% weightage. As a result, South Africa’s series victories over England, Australia, New Zealand and Pakistan in 2012-13 were not factored in. They lost series to India and England and drew with Bangladesh in the 201516 season. West Indies had beaten New Zealand, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe in 2012-13 but lost to Australia and Sri Lanka in 2015-16. The update favoured Pakistan, because their 2-0 loss to Sri Lanka in August 2014 was weighted at 50%. In terms of points gained, Bangladesh made the most progress, getting ten points, followed by Australia, who gained six. Zimbabwe, ranked No. 10,
have 12 points but were not included in the rankings table released by the ICC on Tuesday because they had not completed the required eight Tests in the new rating period. The ICC said Zimbabwe will be added to the table once they play two more Tests. Updated ICC Test rankings ·1. Australia - 118 points (6 points gained) ·2. India - 112 points (+2) ·3. Pakistan - 111 points (+5) ·4. England - 105 points (+3) ·5. New Zealand - 98 points (+2) ·6. South Africa - 92 points (17) ·7. Sri Lanka - 88 points (-1) ·8. West Indies - 65 points (11) ·9. Bangladesh - 57 points (+10)
Wednesday May 04, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Don't be too quick to judge partners or those you work with. Don't rely on others to do your work. Be sure to get involved with those who can introduce you to unusual forms of entertainment. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Catch up on correspondence. You will find that social activities will lead you into passionate meetings. Your changing attitudes may be causing concern for your partner. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Use your energy wisely. You may find that someone you live with may be irritable; you're best to leave them alone. Arguments with children or friends may leave you steaming. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Don't be too quick to voice your opinion. Listen to others carefully. Lack of funds may add stress to your already uncertain situation. Delve a little deeper if you really want to know the score. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Be careful not to show your temper when dealing with the boss. Try to keep your opinions to yourself. Make some notes regarding the changes that you should make. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Your confidence is growing and advancement is apparent. It's time to consider putting money into long-term investments.
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LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Take time to reevaluate your motives regarding friendships. You may have difficulties with someone close to you. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Do yourself a favor and leave your plastic at home. Work at home if at all possible. Before you proceed be sure to talk your plans over with those they will affect. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You can make money through your own creative efforts. Problems with financial investments could make you nervous. Do not allow colleagues to hinder your ambitions. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Be cautious not to get involved in office chatter that will cause problems for others. Unexpected romantic connections can be made if you go out with friends or take a pleasure trip. Y AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Confusion is apparent and you'll need some sound advice if you want to do the right thing. Things at work have been moving quickly and you may be feeling a little uncertain about the changes taking place. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You will be quite excitable today. You will find that social activities will lead you into passionate meetings. If you're in the mood, go out and socialize, or get involved in sports activities.
RHTYSC, MS, Edward B. Beharry... (From page 39) top three teams from each zone would move on to the finals, where the winning team would receive a winner’s prize of $150,000 and a trophy, the losing finalist $75,000 and trophy and the 3rd place $25,000 and trophy. The winner of each zone would carry home a prize package of $15,000. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster stated that the tournament would be used by the organisers to promote the Say No and Say Yes message to numerous villages across the ancient county and as such each zones would be given a theme to be promoted. West Berbice’s theme shall be Say No to Suicide, New Amsterdam/Canje – Say No to Drugs, Lower Corentyne – Say No to Crime and Central/ Upper Corentyne – Say Yes to Life, Education and Sports.
Petra Soft Shoe... (From page 38) Gravesande said. She added that the tournament is good and useful for the men and we intend to conduct sessions with them about helping to stamp out Gender-based Violence. Twenty-four community-based teams in Georgetown, which will be divided into six groups of four, will be involved in the tournament. The winner and the runner up automatically go through to the knockout phase along with the four best third placed teams. There would be no entrance fee to the games. Apart from the Public Health Ministry the other sponsors on board are: Busta, GTT, Lucky Dollar, Nigel’s Supermarket, Junior’s Jewelry, Star Party Rental and 2 J’s General Store.
A senior officer of the Guyana Police Force would address teams before the start of each Zone tournament and the Grand Finals. Clubs taking part in the tournament would also be provided with posters and youth information booklets for them to promote the messages in their respective areas. Teams in the tournament would only be allowed to play two first division players who have played a combined four matches in 2015 and 2016, while players who are barred from playing second division by the Berbice Cricket Board would not be allowed to play. Bowlers would only be allowed to bowl one over per game, while only two players would be allowed out of the thirty yards circle in the first over. For the remaining four overs, a maximum of four fielders would be allowed out of
the circle. In an effort to create excitement for spectators, the organisers would also award a six for any boundary scored off a free hit, while eight runs would be given for a six hit off a free hit. Matches that are tied would be decided on a super over. The organisers would provide umpires for the tournament, music set/PA System for every Venue and balls for the finals. The RHTYSC, MS would like to extend an official invitation to Clubs across Berbice to enter the competition on a come first basis. Teams can contact the Club on Telephone Number 337-4562 or E m a i l foster_hilbert@yahoo.com before the 20th of May. Teams would also have to submit a fifteen man squad and clearly state their two first division players.
26-Mile walk from... (From page 37) awareness of disabled persons. We are set to warm up for the walk when we host a 13-mile walk from Cotton-Field to Queenstown on the Essequibo Coast from 06:00hrs on May 14,” informed the France who hails
from Essequibo. Among the sponsors on board for the May 24 event are DDL, Ramchand Auto Sales, Rays Auto Sales, DeSilva’s Optical, Guy oil, Humphrey’s Bakery and West Indies Sports Complex.
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Cavaliers beat Hawks in series opener Reuters (The Sports Xchange) - A week off did not disrupt the Cleveland Cavaliers’ momentum, nor was it enough time to alter the Atlanta Hawks’ history against them. The Cavaliers still have never lost to the Hawks in the postseason, but this one was not easy. LeBron James scored 25 points and came up with two big steals late in the Cavs’ 104-93 victory on Monday against the Hawks to take a 1-0 series lead in the Eastern Conference semi-finals. It was the eighth consecutive victory for the Cavs over the Hawks after sweeping them in last year’s conference finals and winning all three meetings in the regular season this year. But they had to fight back after blowing an 18-point lead in the third quarter. “When you get it to 18, all you’ve got to do is lift the shovel up and pour dirt on ‘em, especially if you want to be a high-level team,” Cavs reserve Richard Jefferson said. “We didn’t do that tonight and it almost cost us.” A dunk by James with 3:56 left in the third quarter put the Cavs ahead 72-54 before the Hawks roared back, scoring 11 straight points and closing the third by scoring 16 of the last 18 points to pull
within 74-70 at the start of the fourth. Al Horford’s dunk with eight minutes left gave the Hawks their first lead of the night at 80-79, but Kyrie Irving countered on a corner 3pointer — his first basket since early in the second quarter. There were four lead changes and three ties in the final eight frenetic minutes. “I thought the way our guys competed for the whole
night was what we need,” Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said. “Going forward I think we can play better.” The Cavs pulled away for good when James stole the ball from Dennis Schroder with Cleveland clinging to a 92-88 lead and 3:11 left. The Cavs needed three cracks at the offensive end, thanks to two huge offensive rebounds, before James con-
AIGLE, SWITZERLAND (Reuters) Cheats will not prosper was the message of International Cycling Union (UCI) president Brian Cookson on Tuesday as the governing body stepped up its fight against mechanical fraud by showcasing a new method to detect hidden motors in bikes. Earlier this year, Belgian rider Femke van den Driessche was handed a sixyear ban fo r m e c h a n i c a l doping after it was proven her spare bike contained a motor at the cyclocross Under-23
world championship in January. Last month, television station France 2, in collaboration with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, claimed that hidden motors were used in the Strade Bianche oneday race and the Coppi e Bartali race in Italy this season. France 2 and Corriere della Sera used thermal imaging to support their claims that motors had been concealed, although they said they could not prove cheating beyond all reasonable doubt.
The UCI’s technical manager Mark Barfield told reporters at the governing body’s headquarters that their method to detect motors uses a magnetic resonance test involving an iPad and an adapter. The system measures resistance in the magnetic field to give an indication if a motor is present. Cookson says the technology will help them root out cheats. “So the message that I want to give out to anyone who is considering cheating in this way is that we will find a way and we will catch you sooner or later and the chances are, it will be sooner,” he said. “The very first time we deployed this equipment, we caught somebody and that’s a real message I think to the cheaters.” Cookson added that the UCI’s technology was a better way of trapping cheats than using thermal imaging devices.
Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (17) drives past Cleveland Cavaliers guard Matthew Dellavedova (8) during the second half in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. (Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports) verted a three-point play to extend the lead to 95-88 with 2:09 left. It marked James’ first basket of the fourth quarter. He finished with nine assists and seven rebounds. “I just like how our guys come together when things get tough now,” Cavs coach Tyronn Lue said. “That’s the biggest thing for us. We’ve got a great team. When things get tough, we have to come together even more.”
Irving had 21 points and eight assists and Kevin Love had 17 points and 11 rebounds despite a tough 4-of17 shooting night. Love took another hard blow to his right shoulder on a foul late in the game, the same shoulder he injured during a Game 4 victory against the Detroit Pistons in the first round. The Cavs’ trainer worked on the shoulder during a timeout and Love was able to remain in
the game. “I’m fine,” Love said. “I can’t catch a break with that shoulder, but I’m fine.” Tristan Thompson had 14 rebounds (seven offensive) for the Cavs, who improved to 9-0 all-time against the Hawks in the postseason. Schroder scored a careerplayoff-high 27 points for the Hawks, who went more than four minutes late in the game without a field goal as the Cavs pulled away. Paul Millsap had 17 points and 13 rebounds, and Kent Bazemore had 16 points and 12 rebounds for Atlanta. The Cavs again held down the Hawks’ starting backcourt of Jeff Teague and Kyle Korver. Teague shot just 2 of 9 and Korver was held to just one shot attempt — w h i c h h e missed. Korver’s deadly 3point shooting has been neutralized by the Cavs for two years now by running multiple defenders at him. The tradeoff is what they gave up to Schroder. “They don’t leave Kyle anywhere,” Budenholzer said. “They’ll send two people at him, three people at him and leave other guys with opportunities. Jeff had an off night. Some of his looks, some of his attacks we feel good about.”
Cookson warns cheats as UCI showcases motor detection method
Johan Kucaba, Equipment Coordinator at UCI holds a tablet using magnetic resonance technology to detect a bike equipped with a motor during a media event at the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) in Aigle, Switzerland May 3, 2016. (REUTERS/DENIS BALIBOUSE) “The system using thermal imaging cameras is not as reliable and not as foolproof as the system that... we’ve developed,” he said. “But we can look at using thermal imaging to
supplement our system as well and we will maybe do that from time to time.” Barfield added that the UCI would be stepping up their testing regime. “So far this year, we’ve
tested two and a half thousand bicycles already,” he said. “I would imagine that number will be somewhere between 10 and 12 thousand bikes by the end of the year.”
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Bolt excited to compete at Racers Grand Prix Jamaica Observer Double sprint world record holder Usain Bolt is excited to compete on local soil for the first time in over a year. The world’s fastest man is set to make his seasonal bow at the Cayman Invitational meet on May 14, but noted that the highlight will be the inaugural staging of the Racers Grand Prix at the National Stadium scheduled for June 11. Bolt, who has not competed since winning the world title in Beijing last year, said that he was anticipating a high-quality event at the National Stadium n e x t month. He urged fans to come out and support the meet, which is aimed at garnering funds to meet the club’s objective of continuing the development process. Bolt is expected to be joined by compatriots Asafa Powell, Yohan Blake, Warren Weir, Hansle Parchment and world 100 metres hurdles champion Danielle Williams. Among the overseas stars who have been confirmed to participate at the meet are reigning 400 metres world champion Wayde van Niekerk, along with Americans Lashawn Merritt and
Jason Richardson and Trinidad and Tobago’s Kelly Ann Baptise. “I am really proud of the effort being made to put on a meet, the first actual track club in Jamaica to do that. I am very proud of my coach (Glen Mills) for making this move and I know it is going to be a great meet,” Bolt told journalists at the club’s silent auction at the Jamaica Pegasus on Sunday. “We want the support and we welcome it. So far I know that there will be a lot of high calibre athletes coming to put on a good event [and] I will be there. I haven’t run in Jamaica for a couple years now, so I am looking forward to it and people should definitely come out and support because it will be good,” he added. The triple World and Olympic gold medallist, though satisfied with his early season preparation, said he is making no predictions or entertaining any expectations of fast times just yet. “I am in good knick… I have been training hard and my time trials are going well and my coach is happy. So everything is going great so far and I am just looking for-
ward to my first meet in two weeks in Cayman. “It is all about going there and executing right now and then everything should be fine from there. I am just going to take my time and work my way up and try to make sure everything is on point, try to stay injury free and just put in the work, so just watch my progress through the year pretty much,” he explained. Decorated with accolades such as being the first man at the modern Olympic Games to win six gold medals in sprinting, the 11-time World champion believes this year will be one of the most important of his career. The 29-year-old has confirmed that Rio will be his last hurrah at the Olympic Games, before possibly hanging up his spikes after next year’s World Championships. However, Bolt declared that he feels no pressure and is aiming to deliver in emphatic fashion as is customary. “I think this (year) is one of the biggest, but I try to make sure that I am always ready because I know people always look forward for me to do great things. It is re-
ally a big deal, so I am just trying to refocus and get my mind right and just go out there and execute to win as always. “I never worry about losing, as soon as you start worrying about that then it causes problems, so I just worry about getting fit and
being ready. I know that I am in good shape and I have nothing to worry about,” he pointed out. When quizzed about a possibility of a comeback after retirement, which is frequent among many sports personalities, Bolt replied: “Definitely not”.
“I won’t be one of those athletes after you dominate for years and then at the last minute you decide to come back and you start losing, it doesn’t look good. So I won’t be one of those athletes…..when I hang up my spikes, that is it,” he stated.
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Atletico oust Bayern to reach Champions League final (Reuters) Atletico Madrid reached the Champions League final for the second time in three seasons on Tuesday, going through on away goals after a 2-1 defeat at Bayern Munich, in whi c h b o t h s i d e s m i s s e d a p e n a l t y, w i t h the tie finishing 2-2 on aggregate. Atletico, who will face either city rivals Real Madrid, who beat them in the 2014 final, or Manchester City, who meet in the second semi-final on Wednesday, a l s o s p o i l e d B a y e r n ’s treble chances after the Spaniards won the first leg 10 last week. Bayern took the lead with a Xabi Alonso goal in the 31st minute but Atletico levelled through Antoine Griezmann’s seventh goal of the competition in the 54th. Robert Lewandowski set up a dramatic finale with his 74th minute goal but it was not enough. Thomas Mueller missed a first-half penalty for Bayern and Atletico’s Fernando Torres had an 85th minute spot kick saved as Bayern
suffered a third straight elimination by a Spanish team at this stage in their three seasons under Pep Guardiola. “They were better, but we scored an away goal, which was important. We need to keep grounded and first of all think of the Liga before the final,” said Griezmann, whose side are level on points with leaders Barcelona in the Spanish title race. Guardiola, in his final Champions League home game at Bayern before his move to Manchester City for next season, started with defender Jerome Boateng, who returned from a three-month injury break on Saturday, and Franck Ribery, himself back from injury. With a newly-discovered intensity, the Bavarians were dominant in the first half, successfully navigating through the Spaniards’ high pressing game and grabbing their first chance with a Lewandowski header in the 12th minute. The Poland striker narrowly failed to connect inside the box while Arturo Vidal’s left-footed effort was plucked out of the air on its way to
Antoine Griezmann celebrates scoring the first goal for Atletico Madrid with Gabi, Koke and Fernando Torres. (Reuters / Michaela RehleLivepic) the top corner by keeper Jan Oblak. DESERVE LEAD Oblak came to the rescue once more in the 20th, denying Lewandowski from close
range, but the Spaniards looked rattled, with the tables turned and Bayern doing the pressing and having 12 shots compared to Atletico’s two by the half hour.
Xabi Alonso finally got Bayern a deserved lead, his low free kick clipping Atletico’s Jose Maria Gimenez to beat Oblak and cancel out Atletico’s first-leg advantage.
Bayern pushed for a second goal before the break and thought they would have it when Javi Martinez was brought down by Gimenez in the box to earn a penalty three minutes later. However, Oblak saved Mueller ’s spot kick and Lewandowski’s effort from the rebound to keep the Spaniards in the game. Atletico stunned the home crowd after the break with their first real chance of the game when Frenchman Griezmann linked up with Fernando Torres and charged through to beat Neuer with a fine finish. With Bayern now on the backfoot and needing two more goals to advance, Atletico grew bolder and Juanfran’s shot on the hour sailed narrowly wide. Lewandowski put Bayern back in front on the night with a close-range header to trigger a dramatic finale but, even after Neuer saved Torres’ spot kick, the Germans could not find another goal and their Champions League hopes were over.
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Kaieteur News
Wellwoman & Wellman take both male and female titles in MSC softball fundraiser Wellman’s Team
MSC President Winston Semple presents the MVP of the final to Latoya Smith. Despite heavy overnight rain in the City and an overcast day, the Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) May Day softball cricket tournament, which formed a part of Guyana’s 50th Anniversary year of events, was won by Mike’s Pharmacy Male and female teams. Mike’s Wellwoman beat Enterprise Divas by 70 runs while Mike’s Wellman sneaked past Wolf Superior by three runs in an exciting finish in the finals. Held at the Thomas lands venue, Wellwoman batted first and made 117-4 in 15 overs. Player of the finals
Latoya Smith stocked 45 and was supported by J o a n n a Va n s e r t i m a w h o made 43. Enterprise Divas were bowled out for 64 in 15 overs despite 33 from Mathana Cambridge as Smith and Reneka Isaacs grabbed two wickets apiece. In the Men’s final, Wellman were dismissed for 141 from 20 overs with Shamlall top scoring with 47. Wolf Superior reached 139-9 before their 20 overs expired. The proprietor of Mike’s Pharmacy, Mike Persaud made a donation to the club’s fund raising drive.
Wellwoman’s Team
Leicester stand to gain up to 250 million pound windfall (Reuters) Leicester City have the chance of making anything between 150 million pounds and 250 million pounds from their sensational Premier League triumph, according to sports marketing experts. The city of Leicester in England’s Midlands should also expect to enjoy a huge commercial boost after its hometown team wrote the unlikeliest of sporting success stories, one that has captured headlines around the world. Yet though the club known as the Foxes will gain this substantial windfall, they still have a long way to go to join the true big-money elite of world football. The club that had never won the top-flight crown in its history will cash in through the 90 million pounds
in prize money from the Premier League, and money from competing in Europe’s Champions League next season, as well as increased TV and match day revenue. With Leicester’s increasing attraction to sponsors as the champions of the Premier League, which possesses remarkable global appeal, it could all be worth as much as 150 million pounds to the club, said the sports and entertainment intelligence firm, Repucom, on Tuesday. Other experts have put the estimates much higher with some British media reports suggesting that the figure could be much nearer 250 million pounds, particularly if Leicester’s success proves to be more than a one-season wonder. Leicester’s TV audiences have soared by over 23% glo-
bally this season and because of the excitement inspired by their run to the title, audiences in the UK have grown from 785,000 to over one million per game. In Italy, the numbers watching Leicester’s games have doubled, largely thanks to the interest generated by the club being managed by Italian coach Claudio Ranieri. “Leicester’s media values have jumped by 30 percent globally whilst in the U.S. they have grown by over 70 percent, showing first-hand the increase in value to current and potential sponsors,” Repucom said. Leicester’s first appearance in the lucrative Champions League will also make a vast difference to their coffers in the region of 36 million pounds. As well as increased TV
exposure, it will generate increased revenues from group stage fees, a proportion of the competition’s market pool and a participation bonus, totalling 33 million pounds, as well as 3 million pounds performance bonus. A story which had echoes of Leicester’s triumph was Atletico Madrid’s breaking of the Barcelona-Real Madrid duopoly to win La Liga in 2014. Based on the increased match day and commercial revenues that unlikely champions Atletico gleaned, Leicester can expect to see between 10 to 15 million pounds boost in that area. “Leicester City FC’s real commercial potential will become clearer in the season break as brands vie to associate themselves to the club,” Spencer Nolan, head of con-
sulting at Repucom, said. So, much will depend, in the mid to long-term on how successful the club, owned by Thailand billionaire Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, are in developing their fan base. Though their victory was greeted enthusiastically in Thailand, where Srivaddhanaprabha’s family runs the duty-free empire King Power, their fan base is still not in the same league as the historic elite of the English game like Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Leicester itself hopes for an economic boon, with the local newspaper, Leicester Mercury, reporting that financial experts believe the overall economy in the city could benefit to the tune of 49 million pounds. The numbers of visitors to the city have g r o wn rapidly since the discovery of the remains of King Richard III in 2012 and now tourism chiefs hope that being the home of England’s football champions will prove a draw card for Leicester too.
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Wednesday May 04, 2016
Kaieteur News
Flame lands in troubled Brazil for 94-day relay to Games BRASILIA (Reuters) President Dilma Rousseff lit the Olympic torch in Brazil’s capital on Tuesday and pledged that political turmoil engulfing her nation would not harm the first Games to be held in South America. The Olympic flame was flown into Brasilia on Tuesday to start a three-month relay through more than 300 towns and cities that will end with the opening of the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro’s Maracaná stadium on Aug. 5. A smiling Rousseff waved to crowds as she lit a green cauldron with the Olympic flame on the ramp of Brasilia’s modernistic Planalto presidential palace. The president, who is facing impeachment proceedings, will likely be removed from office before the opening ceremony in Rio. “Even though we are living through a truly critical period in our history and the history of our democracy, Brazil will know how to offer athletes and visitors the best welcome at the Olympics,” she said. Rousseff said the sports facilities in Rio and the security measures to protect athletes, tourists and visiting heads of state were ready. Brazil has scrambled to prepare for its second global
sports event in two years in the midst of the worst recession since the 1930s and a massive corruption scandal that shook the political establishment and fueled demands for Rousseff’s removal. Brazil is also fighting an outbreak of the mosquito-borne Zika virus that threatens to keep some athletes and tourists away from Rio. The Olympic flame, burning inside four golden lamps, arrived in Brasilia aboard a LATAM Airlines jetliner that was escorted inside Brazil’s airspace by two Brazilian Air Force F-5 fighters. The torch left the presidential palace carried by Fabiana Claudino, who led Brazil’s female volleyball team to a gold medal in the 2012 Games. Hundreds of cheering Brazilian lined the streets at the start of the relay and an Air Force aerobatics team swooped over central Brasilia. Some 12,000 torch bearers will carry the flame across South America’s largest country. In Brasilia, they will include a refugee from the Syrian civil war, 12-year-old Hanan Daqqah, who arrived in Brazil with her family in 2015. Torch bearer Gerard Moss, a Swiss-Brazilian aviator and environmentalist, said the Games could help to calm
Surfer Gabriel Medina (L) hands over the Olympic Flame to volleyball player Paula Pequeno as they take part in the Olympic Flame torch relay in Brasilia, Brazil, May 3, 2016. (Andrea Morao/Rio2016/Handout via Reuters) political tempers. “What Brazil most needs now is unity, the very symbol of the Olympics,” he said before his turn in the relay. “This is an opportunity to reduce tensions between our political parties and get on with the rebuilding our economy.”
While torch bearers carried the flame around Brasilia on Tuesday, a senate committee debated whether to put Rousseff on trial on charges of breaking budget laws, filed by the lower h o u s e of Congress two weeks ago.
Rousseff is likely to be suspended next week when the Senate votes on opening the impeachment trial. Vi c e P r e s i d e n t M i c h e l Temer would replace her during a trial of up to 180 days, and guide the country to elections in 2018 if she is
removed from office. Officials in her government admit her ouster is imminent. Rousseff said she hoped the Games would bring goodwill to her troubled country. “We will infect our country with the Olympic spirit,” she said.
Team Rose captures Senior Citizens’ Bocce title On Saturday 30th April, 2016 the Senior Citizens Bocce tournament attracted four teams namely Rose, Sunflower, Dahlia and Buttercup. In the preliminary rounds teams were allotted 30 minutes duration in order to facilitate the use of the National Gymnasium by a another sports discipline. The first game was won by team Rose 4 points to 2
points against team Sunflower. Dahlia scored 3 points, while Buttercup scored 2 points in the second game. Both games ended in the third frame. Rose and Dahlia played in the final and were allotted 45 minutes time duration to play. Team Rose were the champions after defeating Dahlia 6 points – 5 points in fifth frame. The runner up team was
awarded medals which were presented by Mrs. Marcia Lewis. Sports Organiser, Mr. Wilton Spencer did the presentation of medals and a trophy to the winning team. Officials of the tournament were Mr. Wilton Spencer, Mr. George Hughes and Mrs. Marcia Lewis. The tournament was sponsored by the National Sports Commission.
FIFA extend Sakho’s antidoping ban to worldwide (Reuters) Liverpool and France defender Mamadou Sakho’s 30-day suspension for failing an anti-doping test has been extended worldwide by world soccer’s governing body FIFA. The 26-year-old was banned for 30 days by European football governing body UEFA after testing positive for an illegal substance following Liverpool’s Europa League tie against Manchester United on March
17. The new suspension covered all games, including domestic, international, friendly and official fixtures, FIFA said in a statement, and came on top of UEFA’s original European ban. France’s RMC radio reported in April that the center back had tested positive for a fat-burning substance. His suspension is provisional on an investigation by UEFA’s Control, Ethics and
Disciplinary body, which is yet to announce the date of his hearing. Sakho chose not to challenge the results of his original positive test and did not ask for an analysis of his B sample. The player, who has featured in 34 games for Liverpool in all competitions this season, was dropped by the club as soon as it was informed of the investigation by UEFA.
Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 04, 2016
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GLTA forms young Executive as Jamal Goodluck takes the helm Jamal Goodluck has been elected the youngest president in the Guyana Lawn Tennis Association’s (GLTA) history, at the age of 25 during this year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Georgetown Cricket Club last week. In the outgoing president’s report, Grace McCalman reflected on her term as president of the GLTA. Her most prized accomplishment was achieving the unprecedented pledge by the Government of Guyana to give the green light on the construction of 8 tennis courts at the National Racquet Centre through a MoU. This feat was previously unattainable for decades. She opined that after the results, pledges would have materialized, the GLTA will have foundation to develop tennis in Guyana. The former President lamented on the immense gratitude she has towards the various stakeholders that have contributed the association. Ms. McCalman expounded that there has been improvements in club activities which as a result contributed to the increased interest shown by members
The new Executive following the recent elections. Front (from left): Grace McCalman, Cristy Campbell, Nigel Niles. Back row (from left): Oswin Coggins, Asif Subhan, Ramesh Seebarran, Nicholas Young, Jamal Goodluck, Leroy Chapman, Robert Bostwick. of general public. Meanwhile, new President, Jamal Goodluck, thanked the clubs for having confidence in electing a young president and sees it as a hallmark in the development of the sport. “The GLTA is setting a precedent in molding the young leaders to take the
sport to the next level,” he expressed. His vision is to create a larger footprint of tennis in the landscape of sports through expansion of programmes within the various regions and schools. At the top of the agenda is developing a home for tennis and revision of the strategic plan. Goodluck reassured his
commitment to take the baton from McCalman and emulate the hard work that has been done in these areas. The president in recognising the low level of capacity and waning interest of persons in building organisations, called upon the new executive members to be honest about their
limitations but do their best. He congratulated the new team and expressed confidence in the young executive. The team is made up of: 1st Vice-President – Nigel Nile 2nd Vice-President – Ramesh Seebarran Secretary –Asif Subhan Treasurer – Leroy Chapman
Asst. Secretary/TreasurerOswin Coggins Committee Member – Grace McCalman Committee Member – Robert Bostwick Committee Member – Nicholas Young Committee Member – Cristy Campbell Public Relations Officer – Shaquille Bourne
William France Differently Abled Athletics Club
26-Mile walk from Mahaica at mid-night on May 24 organised By Sean Devers In 1997 Guyanese William France became the first Amputee to ever compete in the Boston Marathon in the USA before forming the William France Differently Abled Athletics Club on August 12 of the next year. Since then the President of his club has had many achievements including being the only Amputee to receive two National Awards and has participated in 21 Marathons, 17 of them overseas. The now retired 59-year-old France has also had to seek donations for his trips overseas on the Demerara Harbor Bridge and the East Coast Railway Embankment. He says he represents Guyana on these trips, adding there is no money involved when he is successful in such events. The one-legged Walker is coming out of retirement on May 24 when he and five other
Amputees and two females (Indi Ramnauth & Yvonne DeAbreu) who are in Wheel Chairs will participate in a 26-mile walk from Mahaica to the Independence Arch in Brickdam Georgetown starting at mid-night. The seven and a half hour walk is expected to conclude just after 07:30hrs on May 25. “We (the club) want to show in our 50th Independence Anniversary that people with disabilities can make a meaningful contribution to this beautiful Nation and we have invited President David Granger, the Prime Minister, the Director of Sports and the opposition leader Dr Bharat Jagdeo to walk the last mile with us,” France informed. France thanked the Guyana Police Force for the support his club has received during their events over the years and disclosed that this special walk is open to anyone who wishes to join. “This is not a race just a walk to raise (Continued on page 31)
William France (centre) is flanked by Looknauth Perreira (left) and Godfrey Williams, while Yvonne DeAbreu sits in her Wheelchair.
Kaieteur News
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Wednesday May 04, 2016
Clarke engages GBOC in workshop By Edison Jefford President of the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC), Glyne Clarke engaged the Guyana Basketball Officials Council (GBOC) in a workshop on Saturday at Cara Lodge following what was an official signing ceremony for the CBC U-16 Championships. Clarke, who is a former F I B A r e f e r e e , Vi c e President of CBC for Technical Operations and now FIBA Americas Referees Instructor was in Guyana for a series of meetings to ratify Guyana as the official host of the CBC U-16 Championships. Barbadian Clarke met with the Ministers of Education, Dr. Rupert R o o p n a r i n e a n d D r. Nicolette Henry and also toured the host facility, Cliff Anderson Sports Hall as part of his official schedule before ratifying Guyana as the host of the tournament. H o w e v e r, G u y a n a Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) and GBOC could not allow Clarke to return to Barbados without seeking out his vast
experience in the field of officiating. Thus, he sat down with local referees and coaches for a workshop. “The modern philosophy of the game is about the player and not the officials,” Clarke told those present. He said that you will find FIBA officials making much less calls than what obtains at the domestic level with referees. According to Clarke, that was apparent when Guyana hosted two FIBA accredited referees for its National Basketball Club Championships two weeks ago. Clarke informed that comparatively he learnt that the FIBA officials made less calls. The workshop briefly focused on the psychology of officiating, modern officiating, referees and coaches relationship and table officiating. The need to strengthen Guyana’s official pool became clear following the imbroglio of the national final on March 19 when Linden’s, Retrieve Raiders walked off the court to protest what it believed was poor officiating.
CBC President, Glyne Clarke (left) speaks with officials and coaches at Cara Lodge on Saturday last during a workshop. GABF President, Nigel Hinds is seated at head table. The GABF engaged a number of sources, including distinguished academic and former FIBA international licensed referee, Jay Mandle, who is a W. Bradford Wiley Professor of Economics at Colgate University and co-author of ‘Caribbean Hoops: The D e v e l o p m e n t o f We s t Indian Basketball’, which
has an entire chapter on Refereeing. Clarke was the latest in a series of efforts to educate local officials with the aim of improving the overall standard of the game here, especially since Guyana will be hosting around 10 Caribbean countries for the U-16 Championships in July.
Mix Up capture Impressors, GM dominoes title
The victorious Mix Up team. Mix Up chalked up 87 games to win the final of the Impressors and Golden Masters dominoes tournament which was contested on Monday night at Dynasty Sports bar. Impressors placed
second with 80 games, while Falcons who drew the bye to the final finished third on 70. Mix Up were largely indebted to Gilbert Mendonca and Mark Wiltshire who made 17 and 15 games respectively.
Barbara Marshall got 17 and Neiberth Hale 16 for the runner up team. Jack Sardina scored 17 for Falcons. Mix Up won the semi final with 70 games ahead of Impressors 68 and Spartons 65. Wiltshire made 16 for
Mix Up, while Marshall got 15 for Impressors. Mix Up took home a trophy and $85,000, Impressors received a trophy and $35,000, while Falcons got a trophy and $20,000.
Petra Soft Shoe Football returns It’s here again, the annual Petra Organisation-organised Soft Shoe Football Competition which has its genesis in 2015. Yesterday, at the Spice Garden Restaurant & Bar on Pike Street, Campbellville, the Petra Organisation, which has teamed up with the Ministry of Public Health under its Stop Gender-based Violence theme, launched its annual project which had in attendance Co-Director Troy Mendonca, Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde and Health Education Officer of the Ministry of Public Health Joy Gravesande. Mendonca speaking at the occasion gave a synopsis of the tournament which he revealed will start on May 17 and run until June 18 at various grounds within the Georgetown community including West and East Ruimveldt and the ground directly opposite the Cuffy Monument. He added that over $700,000 in total prize monies will be up for grabs with the winning team set to receive $300,000, runner-up $200,000, 3rd place $100,000 and 4th place $50,000 along with trophies. Mendonca pointed out that the collaboration between the Ministry and Petra has been a fruitful one that started a few years ago and has maintained its strength through the vision they share. Forde in his presentation commended the Organisation for teaming up with the Ministry to help highlight the scourge, which according to him, has become pervasive in the society. The GFF President also applauded the Petra Organisation for having the foresight to persist in the further development of the sport despite the challenges that the current and previous administrations encountered, adding that their position has always been not to let administrative issues affect the sport’s forward thrust. He reminded that the GFF will always be supportive of any organisation that is willing to assist in the development of the game, but challenged the Petra Organisation to reach out to other communities and not restrict their reach to just Georgetown. Gravesande in her remarks told the gathering that while they’ve collaborated with the Organisation at the schools level the occasion marks the first time that they will be engaging in getting into the communities at the senior level. “We see this as one of the solutions to tackling the problem and this is why we are going to target them,” (Continued on page 31)
Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 04, 2016
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Jubilee Futsal Competition at CASH May 5 By Sean Devers The place to be on Indian Arrival Day (May 5) is the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) which should be a hive of activities when C&A Unique collaborates with S o u t h Q u a k e Yo u t h Ministries to host what is anticipated to a riveting Jubilee Futsal Competition. Fifty teams are expected to clash for one prize in a grand one-day one game knock-out five-a-side 10minute indoor football competition which the organizers says will see 25 Church teams meeting 25 Street teams for the top prize of $50,000 and a trophy. The national holiday should provide football fans with plenty of action starting from 08:30hrs and a large crowd is expected since adults will play $400, while children under 12 will be admitted to the homestretch Avenue venue free of charge. The church teams might be tempted to ask for divine guidance against the street combinations which should be more equipped with the experience playing this type of the sport on the streets all
of their lives, especially since $25,000, 15,000 and $10,000 along with trophies are up for grabs for the second, third and fourth p l a c e d w i n n e r s respectively. According to Alistair Griffith, the Youth President of the South Quake Ministries which is located on Cane View Avenue in South Ruimveldt, a street football tournament was started three years ago but this year as a part of Guyana’s Jubilee a bigger event was planned and will be played in the Sports Hall. “We wanted this to be bigger than the last two years and help to forge a more untied Guyana through sports. Don’t underestimate the Church teams which will give the street teams a run for their money.” His unrelated namesake Carlos Griffith, the founder of C&A Unique added that females will not be left out since a ‘kick to goal’ competition has been organsied for the girls. Teams from South and North Ruimveldt, Grove and Cane Grove among others
50 teams, one day, one winner
South Quake Youth President Alistair Griffith and Lawrence December of Tucville Street team have one hand on the trophy. Gospel artist Ryan ‘ DC Speaker’ Patterson (right) and Carlos Griffith founder of C&A Unique share the moment. are slated to compete in the action which is expected to conclude around 21:00hrs with the presentation. Banks DIH, NSC, GFF, Giftland Office Max, the Guyana Government and
Trophy Stall are among those who have pledged support for the tournament. Also present at yesterday’s launching, held oppo s i t e t h e Tu c v i l l e
GTTA to host ITTF Umpires, Referees and Tournament Coordinator Course T h e G u y a n a Ta b l e Te n n i s Association (GTTA) will be hosting an International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Umpires, Referees and Tournament Coordinators Course, which begins at 9:00am tomorrow at the National Gymnasium. ITTF expert, Costa Rican, Silvia Garro will conduct the course, which is scheduled to conclude on May 9. According to a GTTA Press Release, Garro is a well accredited expert, having served as the deputy at the 2 0 1 3 Wo r l d Ta b l e Te n n i s Championships. Garro managed over 80 Umpires at the World Championships; she also served as Chief Referee at the recently completed ITTF Junior Circuit Finals in Guatemala, and has conducted several of the similar courses in many countries. “She is the first ever official from Costa Rica to receive the distinction and is one of two women in the team, who officiated as referee, a first for a World Championships. The other is China’s Zhang Yingqu,” the GTTA press release informed. “The programme forms a critical component to the development of the game in Guyana and an area
Silvia Garro we have been truly lacking and has a deficit,” the association continued. The plan with the hosting of this programme is to achieve the following: build capacity, develop a nucleus of persons with the understanding of the rules and an ability to coordinate
competition, improve the quality of officiating and better coordinate tournaments with the central aim of raising the level and marketing the sport. According to GTTA, the plan after Garro leaves Guyana is to develop master trainers, who would train more persons to officiate and be paid through our tournament system based on a model the executive committee has developed. “The Umpires, Referees and Tournament Coordinators Course offers tremendous opportunities for participants since it provides opportunities to accredited persons to be able to travel to other continental tournaments around the world to officiate,” the release noted. The GTTA has extended invitations to representatives from Region Two, Six and 10; schools in the GTU Districts, Coaches and Clubs among other stakeholders. The GTTA sees this as a step towards advancing the knowledge of Coaches. By extension, the association wants to raise the level of the players and create the catalyst for improving its institutional structures.
School, were Gospel Artist Ryan Patterson AKA DC Speaker, who performed pieces of his songs, and Lawrence D e c e m b e r w h o represented the Tucville
street team. There is no cost to register and teams desirous of doing so can contact Alistair Griffith on telephone number 677-5116.
POSTPONEMENT OF STAG ELITE LEAGUE FINALE GAMES Georgetown: The Guyana Football Federation is advising that, due to the inclement weather, the Stag Elite League Finale matches 49 – 50 scheduled for today, Wednesday, 4th May, 2016, have been postponed until a more
convenient time a release from the federation informed. The double-header would have seen match-ups between GFC FC vs GDF FC (Game 49) and Fruta Conquerors FC vs Pele FC (Game 50).
RHTYSC, MS, Edward B. Beharry host 2nd Division “Say No to Suicide” 5 overs Cricket The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS and Edward B. Beharry Co. Ltd would shortly be unveiling the second edition of their joint Say No to Drugs, Crime and Suicide and Yes to Education, Sports and Life Campaign. The 2016 edition would target youths in Region 5 and 6 and would have the ‘B’ Division of the Guyana Police Force and the Region 6 Department of the Ministry of Education as partners. As part of an expanded
programme for 2016, a five overs Say No to Suicide cricket tournament would be organised for forty teams across Berbice. The ancient county would be divided into four sub-divisions – West B e r b i c e , N e w Amsterdam/Canje, Lower Corentyne and Upper Corentyne. Ten teams would consist each sub-division and they would play each other in a one day tournament before moving on to the Grand Finals. The (Continued on page 31)
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Petra Soft Shoe Football returns P.38
Health Education Officer attached to the Ministry of Public Health Joy Gravesande (2nd right) addresses the media in the presence of Petra Organisation Co-Director Troy Mendonca (2nd left), GFF President Wayne Forde (left) and Petra representative Mark Alleyne yesterday.
Flame lands in Leicester stand to gain up to 250 million P.36 troubled Brazil for pound windfall P.35 94-day relay to Games
Leicester City fans celebrate with flags. (Action Images via Reuters / Craig BroughLivepic)
Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff (R) waves after lighting a cauldron with the Olympic Flame next to Fabiana Claudino, captain of the Brazilian volleyball team, during the Olympic Flame torch relay at Planalto Palace in Brasilia, Brazil, May 3, 2016. (REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino)
Atletico oust Bayern to reach Champions League final P.34
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