Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
These irregularities are too glaring It is amazing that these forensic audits are revealing so much but there seems to be no remedial action in the wake of the findings. Certainly the audits are finding numerous financial irregularities but it is as if these irregularities are nothing to warrant attention. To the man in the street the people who were managing the various financial affairs of the government entities were playing fast and loose with the people’s money. The audit of the National Insurance Scheme was most revealing of the extent of state-sponsored irregularities. The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the NIS was the Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon. It meant that the Board of Directors and the Cabinet merged seamlessly. Decisions taken at Cabinet meant instructions to the Board of Directors. This meant that the Board, when it met, would be fed a report from Cabinet as the final decision of the Board. There was the case of money for the construction of the Berbice River Bridge. The NIS was targetted as a major source of funding. Cabinet even determined how much money was to have been spent. Dr. Luncheon then went to the Board of Directors and rather than discuss the matter, simply announced to the Board whatever it was that the Cabinet decided. Later, when the actuary reported that the NIS was paying out more than it was receiving Dr. Luncheon, the Board Chairman, simply said that the government would never let the Scheme collapse, that it would take money from the public treasury to replace whatever was necessary. A private newspaper got wind of the construction of the NIS Corriverton office. At some cost, the newspaper chose to visit that office to seek to justify to the public the $60 million the government said that the NIS spent on the building. There was nothing to show that the money the Scheme said that it spent was really spent. In fact, much larger buildings in the neighborhood were constructed for half that price. An even larger building right next door to the NIS office was being sold for less than half the price of construction of the office. Contractors said that government buildings would be that more expensive because of the various other factors that must be taken into consideration. There is no argument here but surely the variation could not be as much as forty or even thirty per cent. So we have the valuation that put the actual construction at just under $40 million. Was the overpayment a deliberate act to spirit public funds to friends of the ruling party? Indeed the contractors for the various aspects seemed to have close ties to the political party. There is no end to the irregularities that are being discovered and there is no limit to the public incredulity at the fact that all the people who were responsible for the irregularities are still walking around like little lords, free from any criminal intervention. Billions of dollars in NIS money was invested with Clico above and beyond the allowable limit. Again, this was a decision taken at the Cabinet level and simply transmitted to the NIS Board by Dr. Luncheon who brooked no challenge. That money is lost and pensioners are being subjected to all manner of subterfuge by the NIS which is trying its best to avoid making payments. Legal minds say that while the actions were irregular they were cloaked in legality because of executive privilege. In many countries the executive privileges is removed and the people are prosecuted. For certain Dr. Luncheon enjoys no executive privilege. As Board Chairman he could be prosecuted for misusing public funds. Others who knowingly benefited from the overpayment should also be prosecuted. The government says that the audit reports have been handed over to the police and it is now for the police to institute charges. We wait but not for long.
Saturday May 07, 2016
The criticism of Joe Harmon isn’t stopping DEAR EDITOR, Continued blessings on your great newsworthy newspaper. You do an excellent service for us in Region 11, that makes me feel that I am in Guyana as I daily read your publication. With tongue in cheek I would say that sometimes the letters to the editor are the ‘news of the day’. Two letters in your issue of May 4th 2016, to wit, 1) Still questions about Joe Harmon by Emile Mervin 2) Volda Lawrence should not continue as a Minister by Drupattie Singh, Diaspora Member (New York), caught my attention as necessary to keep up the
pressure for improved responses from the government. However I doubt if there would ever be clear, sensible, reasonable and purposeful actions by the government given the practiced behaviour of all past governments in Guyana. And what is that practiced behaviour? Simply ignore, won’t talk about it, become deaf and blind, and if backed into a no escape corner, gruffly mutter that the matter was satisfactorily dealt with and is governed by confidentiality! All and sundry know that Harmon’s behaviour was totally inappropriate and embarrassing, and that the
forced proffered explanations were flimsy, masked and full of holes. The debate here is whether he is keeping secrets and for whom? The party policy is probably that nothing untoward was done by him. So let sleeping dogs lie as is the practiced behaviour of all past Guyana governments. N o w t o t h e Vo l d a Lawrence issue.Ditto for that practiced behaviour adumbrated above. As Drupattie Singh wrote, in a real government she “would have had to step down plus extend an apology”. That is a fact except where ‘practiced behaviour’ takes dominance. I suspect that President Granger is a clone of Desmond Hoyte and all too soon a sobriquet will find its
way in the press to match his demeanor and administration. Perhaps he is being too soft. I used to be upset at the ‘Desmond Persaud’ title, which I felt to be inappropriate for I knew Mister Hoyte to be a cultured intelligent man who worked for the benefit of all guyanese. I knew the sibblings of David Granger as being determined and purposeful and many a time fearless. People in authority have to act and be fearless. They cannot please all but their purpose must be clear that inappropriate behaviour is unacceptable. Watch my words for that possible title emerging for President Granger! Carl Veecock Markham, Ontario
The Prime Minister is these people’s target
DEAR EDITOR; It is not my orientation to give credence to the constant harangue of the Guyana Times and its surrogates within the Ramroop Media Group directed towards Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and other well known select members of the Coalition Government’s Cabinet. Permit me however, to make a rare exception on this occasion to respond to the falsehoods and misinformation contained in a letter penned by one “Tiana King-David”which appeared in the May 4th edition of the Guyana Times. The falsehoods and misinformation contained in the “letter”
have been relentlessly repeated by the PPP-aligned Guyana Times. The publication has dedicated a considerable amount of space and obvious time and effort towards perfecting the positioning of such misinformation in its onslaught directed towards the Prime Minister. It can only be deduced that the publication and its handlers are of the conviction that the Prime Minister is such a high value political target that he must be constantly and uninterruptedly serviced with there energies and attention. When the attacks are not by way of “news articles”, editorials and columns they are by way of letters under
dubious pseudonyms. Therefore the Guyana Times’ neurotic preoccupation with the Prime Minister is instructive of the publication’s, and its backers’, view of the subject of its unrelenting idée fixe. These attacks are not coincidental or uncalculated, they are part of a well orchestrated opposition piloted plan to systematically pillage the reputation of the Prime Minister, and those of select other Cabinet colleagues of the democratically elected Coalition Government. The facts are: 1. In 2014, under the then (Continued on page 23)
Saturday May 07, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Will Imran Khan Resign Team Benschop accuses over this? the Town Clerk DEAR EDITOR; I refer to an article in the Stabroek News of Friday, May 6th, 2016 in which it stated that Minister Raphael Trotman among others owes NIS. I also refer to a release by the Department of Public Information that Mr. Trotman in response to the article made some payments to NIS. I wish to ask the Director of Public Information, Mr. Imran Khan, whether Mr. Trotman’s failure to pay his NIS as required is a breach of the law and consequently if Mr. Trotman should continue as Minister. I
would also like to ask Mr. Khan, if he will consequently resign his position as Director of Public Information in view of Mr. Trotman’s being in breach of NIS regulations, if Mr Trotman does not resign. Merlin Richards
EDITOR’S NOTE: Mr. Trotman has since issued a statement in which he said he was not aware of any monies owed to the NIS. On contact with the NIS it was revealed that the matter related to his personal contribution as a practicing lawyer and he has since advance payment to the NIS.
PPP Parliamentarian on the cause of the prison riot DEAR EDITOR; During the last two Budget Debates, whenever the Opposition questioned the inaction of government to either enforce legislation or to implement certain programmes, the mantra that emanated from the government side of the House has always been, “You’ve been in power for 23 years and you didn’t do it.” While that may be so, the Granger Administration cannot continue to use that as an excuse for their repeated failure. The APNU+AFC is no longer a party in opposition, they’re the ones in government now. They’re there because they were able to convince the electorate that they know what needs to be done, and knows how to fix it. So instead of whining about what the PPP/C didn’t do while in office, they should just adopt the Nike slogan and “Just do it” Editor, once again, this mantra is being propagated by none other than the President of Guyana, His Excellency, David Granger. Responding to questions on “The Public Interest”, Granger blamed the recent Camp Street Prison riots and the deaths of 17 inmates on the failure of the former PPP/ C Administration to implement recommendations from previous inquiries into the prison system and from the Disciplined Forces Commission after the Mashramani jail break of 2002. He said, “When the present (APNU+AFC) Administration got into office, there was a stack of unimplemented recommendations. That is what caused the crisis. If they had been implemented 10 or 15 years ago when they were made, we would not have had the crisis
last March.” But is that really so? In a recent Stabroek News article, “Aside from bed bugs, Camp St prison conditions livable”, a former Georgetown Prison Visiting Committee member disclosed that prior to the May 2015 general election when the committee last visited the prison, the main complaints from prisoners were bugs infested mattresses. “They are cramped a little but it’s not a three star hotel or home, all of that would be expected.” The former committee member added that although prisoners never complained of anything major, they often expressed concern about the length of time they were in prison before their cases were heard by the courts. This information would have been passed on to the prison administration by the committee chairman. Commenting on the March 3 prison riot he said, “One bad herring does spoil the whole barrel. A few could have become frustrated and they wouldn’t care who it affects... The prison officers are trying their best. They were doing an excellent job. When we were there it was a smooth flow. The prison was in good condition.” So what could have changed so drastically to have provoked the lawlessness that took place at the Georgetown Prison on March 3? One thing is certain, there were no follow-up to the prisoners concerns after the Granger Administration took office. The focus of the new APNU+AFC coalition was the witch-hunting and prosecution of PPP/C supporters, and to reward themselves from day one, with hefty increases in salaries and benefits, much to the anger and
disapproval of their own supporters. They cared less about naming new members to statutory boards to continue the work done by the previous administration. It took several embarrassing letter in the press and constant pressure on the Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence before the new Adoption Board, approved by Cabinet, finally met on December 30, 2015, more than seven months after they disbanded the old Board. And we now know that the new Georgetown Prison Visiting Committee was only appointed sometime last month, after the March 3 Georgetown Prison riot, and 11 months after the APNU+AFC took office. The negligence of the Granger Administration in waiting so long to appoint this new committee must have caused prisoners to feel frustrated and hopeless, and in the depths of despair, resorted to deadly actions to bring their concerns to the attention of the authorities. This I believe is what caused the mayhem at the Georgetown Prison, and the tragic deaths of the 17 inmates, not the PPP/C. The President and Minister of Public Security had enough time to implement the same recommendations that the PPP/C is accused of neglecting, yet for 10 months they have done nothing. Even now, the excuse for not implementing those recommendations the President spoke of, is that they are awaiting the report from the (Continued on page 5)
DEAR EDITOR; Setting the record straight: - if Donkey City was bad for the vendors then, well it’s bad for them now without proper preparations. Team Benschop condemns the barbaric and dictatorial action by City Hall taken against the Stabroek Market vendors, and other persons affected. We have absolutely nothing against the cleaning up of the city, and especially mar-
ket areas. However, it must be done in a humane,and democratic manner that’s acceptable to all parties involved. This matter (like most other matters) was never discussed at the council level, neither was a decision made by the council pertaining to the way forward with the vendors. It must be noted that the Town Clerk continues to break every city law with the help of the newly decorated mayor and her sidekick. We
Guysuco’s use of the weather as its perennial excuse DEAR EDITOR; A few days ago GuySuCo’s Chief Executive Officer, Errol Hanoman, publicly announced that the company’s 1st sugar crop closed with a deficit of approximately 23,000 tonnes sugar out of a target of 80,000 tonnes. Relative to the target, this is a huge drop in production and relative to the cashstrapped situation of the said company, this is a massive decline in revenue. Hanoman nailed the production decline to the just concluded dry weather. When the company achieved the 2015 production target, the CEO attributed the success to good manage-
ment, workers’ cooperation and non-political interference. Whilst weather was a key factor to the company achieving the target, it was conveniently not referred to as a contributing factor. When the company failed to achieve the 1st crop 2016 target, weather is the prime culprit. Editor, the CEO needs to elaborate on what deleterious effects did weather had that it has been wholly attributed to the company falling short by almost 30% of its target. The positive effects of the dry weather on sugar production cannot be cast aside. It was favourable to late and better burning of canes, trans-
DEAR EDITOR; Apparently David Hinds has invoked the wrath of the AFC for daring to offer some constructive criticism. I was present at an APNU/AFC rally in Queens in March 2015 when Moses Nagamootoo, in his speech, described himself as having “the skin of a Rhinoceros” in response to shouts from a small group of placard bearing anti-Coalition protesters gathered outside.I would humbly suggest the other leaders of the AFC make haste to develop this “thick skin”, an essential element in
politics, and which seems in short supply among some in our political hierarchy. Dr. Hinds, with pen, not sword in hand, was simply asking the questions on the minds of many patriotic Guyanese who voted for change. Better must come from our leaders. Indeed, it is time, is it not? Yuri Westmaas
The skin of Moses Nagamootoo
call on Central Government to desist from interfering with the affairs of City Hall, and to sanction the dictators at the city level. Team Benschop stands in solidarity with the vendors, justice, democracy and the peace loving residents of Georgetown. It’s ironic how the very things this government and the gang at city hall are doing now, were the things they aggressively fought against during the life of the previous dictatorial PPP regime. Life, eh. Mark A. Benschop Team Benschop porting of canes and sucrose enhancement, all of which would have contributed to a better conversion ratio of canes to sugar; measured as tonnes cane per tonnes sugar. For many years, the sugar company has been blaming weather as the key factor that contributed to its failure of not achieving its tillage and replanting programme. The same dry weather that it is blaming for low sugar production, ought to be praised, if it has been taken advantage of, for accelerated replanting of older ratoon canes. Editor, it’s too naïve on the part of the company to simply say dry weather caused a 30% drop in production and the nation, on whose taxes it survives, to simply accept without seeking a plausible explanation. I think the company owes this nation is far better explanation on the full reasons for such a huge decline in production. I am sure that with such a massive decline in revenue there has been a request from the government for a further subsidy to finance a long-enduring financially-beleaguered company. This subsidy, as with all previous, is purely from the taxes of this nation. Chandimal Rambudhan
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Kaieteur News
Forensic audit supports termination of GPHC’s CEO contract - says Health Minister
Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton
Michael Khan
While the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s (GPHC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Michael Khan’s, leave is about to come to an end, it is more than likely that he will be permanently replaced as the head of the facility. Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, hinted this during an interview on Thursday. At the moment, Alan Johnson, is acting as the health institution’s CEO. Last September, Michael Khan, was asked to proceed
on leave to facilitate a forensic audit into the procurement and storage of medication and other medical supplies at the hospital. Kaieteur News was told that the forensic audit has not been completed as yet. Asked to comment on the findings so far, the Minister would only say that there are some irregularities. He added that the report so far supports Khan’s termination. He further stated that the investigations are currently
ongoing and once completed, the findings will be disclosed. “Everything depends on the forensic audit,” the Public Health Minister said. He added that the investigation should have been completed by now but the auditor had asked for some more time before he presents his findings. Last September, Dr. George Norton, had indicated that Government was reviewing the contract of the CEO and that the final results of
the investigation would recommend if Khan should retain his position. Dr. Norton had explained that the initial results of the audits recommended that certain individuals proceed on leave to allow for a more indepth audit in the operations. ”When the coalition took over the reins of Government, we ran into some difficulties where accounts could not have been made for some departments and the general rule
was made where forensic audits were requested. “The results of those audits came out – the audit for GPHC came out; those audits recommended that in order for them to continue a more in-depth audit, that persons should be asked to go on their administrative leave,” he stated. Meanwhile, in November, 2014 Khan was asked to proceed on two months’ leave by the then Chairman of the hospital Board, Nirmal Rekha,
to facilitate an investigation into the disappearance of over $4M at the facility. He was asked to proceed on his annual leave along with the Director of Financial Services and a Clerk at the hospital. However, Khan was immediately reinstated by Public Service Minister in the People’s Progressive Party Civic regime, Dr. Jennifer Westford. At the time she was performing the duties of Minister of Health.
President Granger urges swift relocation of Stabroek vendors In wake of yesterday’s meeting between City Hall and the vendors of the Stabroek Market Square area, President David Granger has called on the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown to hasten efforts to prepare and provide an alternative location for the vendors, who have been removed from the Stabroek Market Square. “I deeply regret that there has been some delay between the removal of the vendors, the cleaning up of the square and the resettlement. I would urge the City Council to hasten the resettlement and ensure that every legitimate vendor is given a place to conduct his or her business in a lawful and more sanitary manner,” President Granger said. The President said that he supported the clean-up efforts. He noted that while
there were some ‘hiccups’, he is satisfied that the vendors were consulted and informed about the move. “Again, I’d like to urge that the City Council pay attention to the humanitarian side of the cleaning campaign and to make sure that the vendors know what is in store for them. “I am satisfied that prior to the move the vendors were consulted and the only disappointment is that the City Council was not able to deliver the promises on time. But from what I can see, they’re working.” He noted that the Stabroek Square is a public area and citizens of Georgetown or any visitor must be given free access to public places, without fear. “Over a period of years the use of that public place has degenerated. It became
very unsanitary. There’s evidence that a lot of unlawful practices were conducted there. I support the work of the Mayor and City Council to rectify the public area and to put vending on a more orderly footing. “This city has to be cleaned and when you look at the conditions that existed in what used to be called ‘Jurassic Park’, nobody had said that Stabroek square did not have to be cleaned up. “What I would say is let us work together with the City Council to ensure that the vendors are properly accommodated so that they can pursue their economic activities in a legitimate and orderly manner.” In light of the fact that for the moment only those vending around the Stabroek Market Square are required to move while those in the disputed Water Street area are not being relocated he stated; “I don’t know about the use of the word unfair. “What I know is that
President David Granger Stabroek Square is a public place and I support the efforts of the City Council over the last seven months or so to clean up all public squares. “Everything cannot be done simultaneously. Things are being done in a sequential manner. I do believe that the feeling in the population at large is that they’re doing a job which needs to be done.” The President said that it is his expectation that Georgetown will be a healthier, more aesthetically pleasing place at the end of the clean-up efforts.
Saturday May 07, 2016
Kaieteur News
L.A.’s ‘Grim Sleeper’ convicted of 10 murders in decades-long killing spree (AP) - A Los Angeles jury on Thursday convicted the man accused in the “Grim Sleeper” serial killings that began decades ago and left at least nine women and a teenager dead. Lonnie Franklin Jr., 63, who pleaded not guilty to 10 counts of murder and one count of attempted murder, could face the death penalty, the Associated Press reported. For more than 20 years, near his south Los Angeles home, Franklin preyed on numerous young, black women — many struggling to make it. It was a tough time in L.A., where areas were known for hard times. Many turned to drugs and traded sex to pay. Some worked as prostitutes. Police said Franklin, a former garbage collector and one-time mechanic for the Los Angeles Police Department, initiated sexual contact with women, then shot or strangled them and dumped their bodies. “They suffered from the same frailties and the same imperfections that all humans do, and they had the same hopes and the same dreams for their futures that we all have,” prosecutor Beth Silverman said during closing arguments, the Los Angeles Times reported. “None of them deserved to be brutally dumped like trash as if their lives had no meaning.” Authorities dubbed the suspect as the “Grim Sleeper,” a reference to the more than decade-long break between the two periods of killings. Franklin’s trial lasted nearly three months. Defense attorney Seymour Amster questioned the DNA and ballistics evidence against his client and said the real killer was a “mystery man,” AP reported. “It is our position that there is a nephew, or a youngster, who is involved and did each and every murder,” Amster said while not naming a suspect, according to the Los Angeles Times. The 12-member jury began deliberations Wednesday morning and had reached a verdict by the following day. Seven women were killed between 1985 and 1988: Debra Jackson, Henrietta Wright, Barbara Ware, Bernita Sparks, Mary Lowe, Lachrica Jefferson and Ali-
Lonnie Franklin Jr. cia Alexander. Three more were killed between 2002 and 2007: Valerie McCorvey, Janecia Peters and 15-yearold Princess Berthomieux. Thomas Steele was found dead in 1986; Franklin wasn’t charged with his death, but authorities believe it’s connected to the others, according to the Los Angeles Times. The lone known “Grim Sleeper” survivor, Enietra Washington, testified at Franklin’s trial. Now 57, she recounted a November 1988 incident, saying Franklin had offered her a ride, and then shot her, sexually assaulted her and snapped a photo of her before he pushed her out of his Pinto and left her to die. In the 2000s, police investigators began digging into the city’s cold cases, using DNA evidence from hair and skin to find answers. Then they turned their attention to a serial killer many had been calling the Grim Sleeper. Over the years, authorities collected DNA samples from state prisoners and filed them in a law enforcement DNA database. Franklin’s DNA, however, did not match samples in the system. The Los Angeles Times
reported in 2014 that police urged the state to look for DNA matches that could be related to the killer, and thenCalifornia Attorney General Jerry Brown agreed to familial searches. Los Angeles police investigators got one DNA match: Franklin’s son, Christopher Franklin, who had been arrested on firearm and drugrelated charges. But police still needed to confirm that Lonnie Franklin Jr. was the suspect. An undercover officer followed him to a local pizza parlor, where he was attending a birthday party, and posed as a busboy to collect dishes Franklin had eaten from. In the end, police said, it was an uneaten pizza crust, a napkin and a drinking glass that gave him away, according to the Los Angeles Times. Franklin was arrested in 2010. Proceedings were slow to start, frustrating victims’ families; a year ago, some of them cited Marsy’s Law, California legislation that gives crime victims and their families the right to a speedy trial, according to the Los Angeles Times
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Give each affected vendor a million dollars! The removal of the vendors from the Stabroek Market area is a blessing in disguise. The vendors will end up being better off in the long run because of their removal from that Square. Firstly, most of them did not belong there. Many of them were illegal vendors. Illegal vending has an additional cost to it. Everyone knows what is being referred to as the additional costs that these vendors usually have to bear. They would have had to pay people to daily fetch and remove their goods. Many of them had to sleep with their goods and spend as many as
sixteen hours in that area. Their families suffered. This too is a cost. As result, they were always in the red unable to make a profit because of these additional costs they had to bear. The vendors were trespassing on legitimate businesses. This is a form of economic hijacking that is not good for business, not good for the country and not good for vendors. This policy was deliberately encouraged by politicians whose toleration of illegal vending was on the grounds that it was a complex problem. The problem is not so complex anymore. How things have changed, but still
remain the same! Secondly, the removal of the vendors means they are now free agents. They have been liberated from the state of illegality and can now establish their own legitimate businesses by either renting property or establishing business where they live. They can now become business people in their own right. As vendors, they were merely making a hustle and pretending that this was business. Very few of them have anything to show for the years they have been vending their wares at Stabroek Square. Vending is a profitless profession. A great many ven-
Dem boys seh...
Luncheon and Jagdeo get skin up over NIS money When dem boys did start to point dem fingers at de NIS building, nuff people seh how dem was picking on de government just to mek Jagdeo and he boys look bad. At de time dem boys seh that dem didn’t know Luncheon to be a crook but now dem know. From de time de Waterfalls boss man see de building he start to question de cost. And that only happen because de government paper carry de building pun de front page and talk how Jagdeo serious. Dem boys seh he was serious about how much extra money he could squeeze from NIS. Normally some people does hustle a ten per cent. From this deal de hustle was nearly fifty per cent. De crookishness start from de time dem invite de tender board. Somebody had to tell Luncheon that de tender board got people who don’t tek chance. Right away advice come to skip de tender board. Dem build de NIS office and is then de
trouble start. Dem boys go till to Corriverton and de people lock de gate so dem can’t go in. People call town and get instruction not to mek de people from de Waterfalls paper enter de compound. Is nah shame dem was shame, dem was trying to hide $32 million but dem boys didn’t know at de time. Old people always seh that wha do in darkness does come to light. De audit expose de crookishness. Dem boys think about a man who build he house fuh $70 million and when he go to sell it de people tell him that de house only worth $38 million. Is nah time fuh de man get a heart attack? But in Guyana, all dem people who protesting now, never even think about opening dem mouth. All of dem was scared. Some of dem believe that if dem keep dem mouth shut then dem gun get a small piece. Well as old people seh, de poe bore. Talk half and try find de $32M NIS money
dors are just sitting all day in their stalls without any sales. Thirdly, their removal will allow them to perhaps find jobs where they can enjoy a steady income. When years ago, the City Council removed the tents from Regent Street, there were similar cries as we have today. There were the usual cries of vendors being single parents and having children to send to school. There were concerns that there would be an increase in crime because of the removal. It never happened. In fact, the economy enjoyed a boost because business thrived, more people began to patronize Regent Street stores and more employment was created for workers, far more than the number of vendors that were displaced. Those who therefore feel that vending is an economic problem and that it is a contest for economic space are misleading the vendors. The poor people in this country are better off because of the removal of vending since it will allow hundreds of
jobs to be created in legitimate businesses, including for some of those vendors who may be interested in working for other people. Those who are fanning the anger of the vendors should be helping to organize them. They should be organizing them to take loans to open their own businesses. They should be helping them to go into importation and exportation. They should be using the experience of the vendors to help them to improve their circumstances. Those who want to help the vendors should ask the government to give to each affected vendor a grant of one million dollars to start up a business. The former PPP government spent almost $400 million to buy a property to relocate pavement vendors. The vendors would have been better off if that money was split amongst them. Government has the money to give the affected vendors from Stabroek Square a million dollars each. The vendors will not
be going back to Stabroek Square. They are going to be allowed to sell at the old Royal Castle site. The owner of that plot of land is taking a high risk gamble by considering allowing the vendors to use there for three months. When the three months is up how will he get them off. Unlike the City Council which can remove the vendors as they did, private property owners do not have that liberty. They have to take Court Action. The vendors, in any event, do not want to go there. They want to vend in prime areas without the risks that are borne by legitimate businesses. That sort of thinking has destroyed this country in the past and it will destroy it again if it is allowed traction.
Ogle Airport renaming...
Despite NATA’s objection, renaming scheduled for Monday Despite fierce objection by several members of the National Air Transport Association (NATA) regarding the rebranding of the Ogle International Airport, the renaming ceremony is scheduled to take place on Monday. Earlier this week, President of NATA, Annette Arjoon-Martins, along with
several representatives of the Association issued a call to President David Granger, to withdraw his proposal to have the airport renamed to, Eugene F. Correia International Airport. A media invite was sent to this publication which stated that the President will be renaming the facility at a cer-
emony scheduled for Monday. With the Chairman of the Board at Ogle International being Michael Correia, NATA as well as the Private Sector Commission (PSC) is of the opinion that the rebranding will lead to an unlevel competitive playing field because Michael Correia, is supposedly a relative of Eugene F. Correia.
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Kaieteur News
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Descending into darkness on May 26, 2016 Here is the main point of the City Council, the central government and many citizens who support the expulsion of Stabroek Market Square vendors. Guyanese need to bring back the capital city to the beautiful sight it was long ago. It has to start with cleaning up the city. And that task becomes imperative now that the Golden Jubilee celebration is on. Sounds good on paper. But that is where it belongs – in theory. The reality of Guyana tells a different story and I will deal with the ques-
tion of removing poverty instead of paying for cricket to come to Guyana in another column. Who will argue against the resuscitation of Georgetown? But who can be so stupid to deny that you cannot uproot over three hundred vendors suddenly without handing them an alternative spot? At the time of writing there is no alternative spot. We can therefore speak of the accusation of the City Council that vendors dirty up the place versus the crass incompetence of the City Council.
If you know you were going to expel them from their niche then weren’t you thinking of a replacement site? From where are those people going to earn an income? Did our elected City Council and elected Central Government do a survey on how many of those vendors are single mothers? Here is my problem with the removal of the Stabroek Square vendors. The essential reason is that the authorities want the place to look clean and beautiful for the Golden Jubilee. I am contending that the
city of Georgetown will look terrible and atrocious on Independence Day because after 50 years of sovereignty there isn’t a street in Georgetown where at least twenty percent of its space has functioning lamps. This column will run out of space if we have to name all the streets. I am a Georgetowner who travels on the roads of Georgetown every night. Now, let me repeat that – every night A cruise ship turned back last week after refusing to dock at Port Georgetown. I am contending that if the passengers had disembarked, they would have seen a dirty Stabroek Square. I am not denying that. But more shocking is when they went through Georgetown and saw the darkness. Nothing deters a visitor more from enjoying a city as the dark streets. They are automatically contemptuous of that country and they dismiss it as a tenth rate, banana republic. The Government of Guyana has two official press officers who are supposed to respond to sensational fictions created by detractors. One operates out of the Office of the Prime Minister, the
other from OP. I am challenging this government to name me one, just one street in Georgetown that has at least forty percent of the lights working? I am saying bolding that not even fifty percent of the lamps work. I am going so far as to say they haven’t worked since the eighties. And what is sickening is that the roadways where these lights are supposed to be in any 21st century land, Guyana is the exception. There are some of the places where less than ten percent of the bulbs have life. The Office of the President, both New Garden Street and Vlissengen Road is not one them. From the time you leave Irving Street and you enter J.B. Singh Road where the headquarters of the army is located, there isn’t a lamp post. It is an area of darkness. This takes you to the pump station which is at the beginning of Clive Lloyd Drive. The lamps from Clive Lloyd Drive to D’Aguiar Turn or the Russian Embassy have lost their electricity for decades now. You are going east and you arrive at Subryanville on the seawall highway. The lights on the highway were installed in 2006. For
Frederick Kissoon more than a year, those bulbs from Subryanville to Liliendaal have died. There are no street lights except a solitary one outside CID head office on Camp Road. I wrote about this five years ago. I am writing about it again. Not one, I repeat, not one Ministry is on a roadway where the entire street is fitted out with working bulbs. Who can be so dishonest to say that such an area of darkness that Georgetown is will not attract derision and contempt from any foreigner? Imagine a South Korean or a German coming for the Golden Jubilee and driving on JB. Singh Road in the night and the tourist guide says; “This is our army headquarters.’ The German then puts his head out the window and says, “I can’t see a damn thing.” Some living countries actually don’t exist
Saturday May 07, 2016
Kaieteur News
PAGE 11
Sea, river defences in targeted areas being restored - as US $30.9M project gets underway
Work Services Group’s (WSG) Coordinator, Geoffrey Vaughn, has said that capital works under the US$30.9M sea and river defence resilience project have commenced in some of the targeted areas. He said that Region Three is one such area where work is ongoing. “We have others where
maintenance works are being done in East Bank Berbice, particularly where enforcement of embankment is being done. Also in Region Three, we have embankment work being done so there’s quite a lot of work being spearheaded by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, and we intend to continue this,” Vaughn said.
The sea and river defence resilience project is a collaborative effort between the Government of Guyana and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to repair the country’s sea and river defences. Over 90 percent of Guyana’s population lives along the coastal area, much of which lies below sea level
GuyExpo 2016 continues to receive sponsorship Digicel (Guyana) yesterday donated $2 million to help finance GuyExpo 2016. The donation by the mobile phone carrier includes its rental of a booth at the Sophia Exhibition Centre where it will exhibit its products, promotions and services during the event that runs from May 12 to May 15, 2016. GuyExpo Coordinator, Tameca Sukhdeo-Singh, explained, “For the past years, they have expended more than $100M to host GuyExpo and this year the budget was reduced, hence GuyExpo’s need for sponsorship.” Sukhdeo-Singh explained that organisers are aware of competing demands on the business community as GuyExpo coincides with the 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations. “Usually
we don’t have problems accessing sponsorship. Persons are always willing to come and sponsor, but because there are so many events, sponsors are suffering from sponsorship fatigue because everybody is knocking at their doors, so the amount of money we usually get from sponsorship to help us to offset our event, we are not getting that so we have had to do some budget cuts,” she added. This year’s GuyExpo will include four workshops to assist small, medium and mi-
cro-businesses in product packaging and marketing, social media marketing and website development, in addition to crafting a business plan to help access financing. “We thought it’s critical to help our businesses and guide them on how to prepare a business plan so that when they go to access finance, they will be able to have that plan to guide them in their development and also to show that this is their financial plan,” said SukhdeoSingh. To date, 300 of the 400 booths have already been sold.
and is subject to flooding. “This is the government’s effort to protect the environment, people, assets and livelihoods from flooding and contribute to the sustainable economic growth and future socio economic development of the country,” Vaughn said. He added that work will begin in the other targeted areas shortly. The project will see construction and rehabilitation works on sea and river defences in Regions Two, Three, Four and Six that will benefit 45,000 Guyanese.
Work Services Group Coordinator, Geoffrey Vaughn
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Saturday May 07, 2016
Kaieteur News
Green shirts for CJIA’s taxi drivers?
Fmr. AG insists his Facebook claims true The Management of Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation (CJIA) has refuted what it described in its entirety the “outrageous” statement that was published by the former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, on his Facebook page of May 3, 2016. “On his page, Mr. Nandall alleged that some taxi drivers informed him that effective next week they are required to wear green shirts,” CJIA said in a statement. :”What is appalling is that Mr. Nandlall fell victim to hear-
say without seeking to verify the report with the appropriate authority.” The airport management said that it is indeed considering new shirts for the taxi drivers and several colours are being considered including red, green, grey, white and even retaining the existing cream they wear at present. It is apt to note, that no final decision has been taken since we are still engaging the taxi drivers on a preferred colour.” The statement said that it is disappointing that the “learned Anil Nandlall: would
seek to sow the seeds of discord between airport management and its taxi drivers by rushing to sensationalise a matter that is clearly a nonissue. On Tuesday, Nandlall wrote that he met with a few taxi drivers today who are attached to the airport. He said that they complained “bitterly” to him that they have been instructed by the person in authority at the CJIA that as from next week, they must wear green shirtjacks to work. The former Attorney Gen-
eral believed that the directive must have come from the highest rung of the political ladder. “This imposed politicization of a people in today’s modern world is not only foolish but it is a violation of their rights and freedoms. It is a vestige of a horrendous period our country’s history when our people’s franchise and freedoms were stolen by some who are dead but are now being resurrected as national heroes and oth-
ers still alive, who are being conferred with National Awards.” Following CJIA’s statement on Wednesday, Nandlall wrote again on his Facebook page. He believed that the airport is now backpedaling because of public pressure. “The taxi drivers complained not only to me but separately and a week ago to my Parliamentary colleague, Dharamkumar Seeraj, as well.
The taxi drivers informed me that they were directed to a particular tailor who has in stock, the chosen cloth in the particular shade of the green which was deemed appropriate. “I refuse to believe that these taxi drivers have such fertile imagination. I am more persuaded to view that the denial is damage control after the expression of public outrage at the political imposition of a party color for the uniform of the taxi drivers.”
Minister wants better collaboration between RPA and farmers Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder, has urged the Rice Producers’ Association to step up to the plate in its representation of rice farmers across the country and to stop looking to the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) for “handouts”. Responding to complaints by long standing RPA President, Leikha Rambrich, that the RPA is no longer receiving reimbursements for services offered to rice farmers in the rice belt, Minister Holder said there is no provision for this in the law which established the RPA. He said that the organisation should be more vibrant and proactive in its presentation of farmers and in this way, be justified in the collection of membership fees. This was in direct res p o n s e t o t h e R PA President’s reference to the
discontinuation of a $2.5 million monthly subsidy paid over to the RPA under the previous administration. A recent statement from the Ministry stated that the Minister was at the time meeting with rice farmers and other stakeholders of East Berbice at Skeldon. A number of issues were raised by farmers. Farmers had lamented what they described as poor, and in some cases no representation by the legally mandated farmers’ group. Minister Holder then urged the RPA to engage in a membership drive and a formalisation of its representation - this was after more than half the farmers present at the meeting indicated that they were not members of the organisation having never filled out any membership forms or paid any fees in this regard.
Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder “In his organisation’s defence the RPA President said that whether or not a rice farmer was a member his interest is always represented in a general sense. “Mr. Rambrich point to a ten-point proposal which he said his organisation has submitted to government on the way forward for the rice industry. The Agriculture Minister assured that these proposals are currently under consideration,” the statement concluded.
Saturday May 07, 2016
Kaieteur News
Parliament being held to ransom - Teixeira …Contends that Govt. is trying to muzzle the Opposition
Government Chief Whip, Amna Ally By: Kiana Wilburg A motion to limit the time of the next sitting of the National Assembly set for May 12, does not sit well with the political opposition. Such a motion was moved on Wednesday by Leader of the House, Moses Nagamootoo. He said that the sitting should start at 1 pm and end at 5 pm to allow members of the Government to grace Business-Expo, which he deemed an important national event. But Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira, was convinced that Nagamootoo’s motion was anything but innocent. She cautioned House Speaker, Dr. Barton Scotland, that the Prime Minister was “pulling wool” over his eyes. She also registered her dissatisfaction with the motion since May 12 is intended to be Opposition’s day. Teixeira also noted that on May 12, the President would be coming to speak to the members of the House. She said that while she has no problem with it, it all serves to make the time for Opposition day shorter. Teixeira said that in the Parliament, the Opposition has a role to play. The Opposition Chief Whip reminded the House that the Speaker began the session noting the recently held Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) workshops. She said that these workshops saw officials reminding Guyana’s Parliamentarians of certain principles which must be followed. She said that the CPA officials were strong on certain issues, especially those which pertain to Ministers not sitting on committees and the opposition having the right to ask questions without notice. “We have been waiting from August to January for our day…May 12 is our day. Why can’t the President
Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira
come on another day? It is going to be a truncated session because everybody got to go GuyExpo. But you didn’t invent GuyExpo. It was set up by the PPP/C. And you know what? There were a number of sittings which were held during our time and we didn’t have all this big majority. Ministers went to GuyExpo and came back. But we understand your predicament because you haven’t got a choice. But you are muzzling this opposition. That’s what you are doing,” Teixeira expressed. She explained to the Speaker that at the end of the proceedings for May 12, the Opposition would only have two hours to raise its concerns. Teixeira said that this is not acceptable. “This looks like an innocent thing; it is not. It is dastardly and we are going to oppose this. We asked for May 11 to have our day and then we can meet on May 12 and the President can come and give his speech. But we were told ‘no’ because they have something else. “They got some social cohesion something, some-
thing. And again this Parliament is being held at ransom because of some cultural centre programme,” the Opposition Member noted. Teixeira said that the Parliament cannot work in such a manner. She said that the Opposition must have its day in the National Assembly. Government Chief Whip, Amna Ally said that her administration is not an unreasonable one. Ally noted however that during a previous conversation with Teixeira, she made it known that any matter remaining on the agenda for the May 12 sitting would take precedence at the following sitting. The Government Minister said, “Let me remind the Opposition that we are the government and we will not allow you to tell us how to run the government.” Nagamootoo in support of his colleague told the Opposition that when one wants to throw missiles, they should try to resist the urge to do so especially when he or she is guilty of worse. The heated exchange continued but eventually the motion was carried.
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SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257 SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING& PUBLISHINGINC–TEL:6004212: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Repairs to LED, Plasma, LCD and all other electronic equipment. Ordering of circuit boards. Abdul Electronic- Call: 225-0391 Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezers- Call:6294946 or 225-4822 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer-Call: 231-0655; 683-8734. Omar Stunning designs with largest variety of plants by experienced landscapers! Call: 219-0468 / 648-1821 Building Construction: house plans & estimates, floor sanding, lacquering & painting, boat for Santa Mission –Call: 650-4362 HOUSE PLAN DRAFTING OF “ANY PLAN” $15,000CALL: 694-9843/225-1972 Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigrant Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496; 662-6045
TAXI SERVICES GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)
WANTED Experienced bartender, chef, live in/live out waitress & bouncers needed @ Eden Bar & Lounge (East Bank). Call for appointment: 652-0074 General DomesticRequirements: ages 2545years with cooking experienced. Call: 629-9450 Cashiers @ Nimbus Purified Drinking Water, 73 New Road V/Hoop WCD- Tel 254 1700 2317023- 685-7659- 6220445 One live in domestic must know to cook Indian Dishes ages 25-45yrs -$80,000 monthly –Call: 610-3974 Nanny (age 25 to 40 ) for a 5 year old, contact 223-5273 Two experienced salesgirls, come in with application @ 158 Regent Street. Call: 6703107; 227-8614 One domestic must be able to prepare vegetarian mealapply Alabama Trading Georgetown, Ferry Stelling. OFFICE CLERK, CLEANING LADY AND BOND WORKER FOR A COMPANY IN RUIMVELDT. POLICE CLEARANCE & REFERENCES NEEDED – TEL: 231-8519 Cashiers/salesperson to work in general store on East Coast. Call Nalinie: 625-8662; 699-0143 Two lands at Mocho, two lands at Farm, two lands at Herstelling. Call:266-0693; 611-3398 Taxi driver with mini bus license living in G/Town-Call: 664-0802 Driver with minibus license living in G/town; to work relief on weekends. Call: 664-0802
CAKES & PASTRIES Courses in cake decoration, pastry making & cookery; also edible images and Wedding dresses for sale. Call: 670-0798 FOR SALE/RENT
PEN-PAL Couple seeking friendshipfrom both male & female- Call: 659-4900
Saturday May 07, 2016
Kaieteur News
A complete hair dressing salon located in Alexander Street Kitty (Opposite Seepaul’s Bar). Call: 623-5960 American pool table – Call: 277-0578
Earn certificate in: cosmetology, nails, wig designs or hair cutting, etc. Register Now! Call Abby: 666-5241; 619-7603
PROPERTY FOR SALE
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
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 2-13 Soesdyke, E.B.D – Call Debbie: 917-474-5434; 6412661
VACANCY Driver & porter to deliver water- apply @ Nimbus Water 79 Albert & Lamaha Street. Call: 231-7002; 6220445; 685-7659 Popular East Coast Gas Station Day/Night: pump attendants, sales clerk & office assistant. Contact: 6719570; 695-9880,Non-Pareil Exist at Confidential Cabs for one dispatcher. Call: 231-5784 Cook/baker for the Interior location, applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020 Cashier 6am-3pm & 3pm12pm. Submit application to Shell Station Providence EBD, s h e l l r a m s b u r g @ gmail.com One salesgirls please apply to Dian’s Deli, 22 Barr Street, opposite Kitty Market. Tel: 621-7862 Late Edition Snackette Now Hiring! One experienced cook/chef. Call: 233-5365; 662-3837; 613-4227; 686-5979. Opening Hours- 9:00am4:30pm
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; 657-5330 Property @ Cummings Street; 4 storey building, club, 8 self contain rooms. Call: 628-0016; 667-2536 2 Storey house, bedrooms, toilet & bath (both floors), grilled, concrete building @ Q 68 Guyhoc Gardens, Ruimveldt. Call: 231-9174 Transported property in Regent Street between Wellington & Camp. Call: 6251514 4 Bedroom property @ Enterprise, 3 bathrooms, 2 garage, pressurized system, overhead tanker, generator, etc. Call: 600-6195 Republic Park Ph1: 2 flats 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, well maintained, including yard $51M-Call: 609-6516; 6170758; 645-2580
4 Waitresses $17,000 & 1 cook must live in, free meals and accommodation E.B.D. Call/Whatsapp: 661-8802 Office clerk (senior/junior) with CXC English/ Mathematics & computer knowledge an asset. Call: 223-7500 Need a job? Call JFWW (local & international) earn -$5,000$20,000 daily –#233-6517; 638-0595; 622-1957 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm LAND FOR SALE La Parfaite Harmonie from $1.3M-$3M, Eccles -$4M$5.5M, Herstelling -$3M-$5, Bartica-$3M-$4M. Call: 6818897; 651-1969 Land @ La Grange Public Road to Sea Dam 4 Acres for commercial or Housing Scheme-Call: 625-1514 Commercial & agricultural transported land at Brickery E.B.D; size: 7acres. Call: 6870607; 216-1795
Unbeatable Prices!!! Spacio$2,095,000; Ist-$1,995,000; Fielder-$1,995,000-Contact# 650-0402/260-4988 Unbeatable Prices!!! Audi A4-$3,750,000; BMW 318i$2,750,000; Premio 2008$2,850,000- Contact#6500402/260-4988 1-Cat 928 F Wheel Loader$7.3M; 1-Light Tower$850,000; 1-Perkins Welding Plan-$850,000- Contact#6500402/260-4988 1 Week Sale! Dell/HP computers with 19" flat screens -$49,000, lap tops $55,000 - (6 months warranty) @ Future Tech. Call: 2312206; 644-6760 One 125CC XR for sale $270,000–Call:699-7870;698-8503 Complete range of household items, owner migrating, items available immediately & Toyota Voxy 4WD mid-PTT. Call: 609-8640
One bedroom semi- furnished apartment in La Parfaite Harmonie -$22,000. Call: 6947817; 668-0306 One bedroom apartment for rent; couple or single person @ Middle Road La Penitence. Call: 226-6343; 686-4564 One bedroom semifurnished/un-furnished @ Blygezight Gardens. Call: 691-2244
Toyota Fun Cargo, AT212, AT192, AT170, Tundra, LTouring, Wagon, VVTZ, 4X4 Solid DEF pick up & Nissan Pickup unregistered. Call: 644-5096; 697-1453 One Toyota Spacio 2002$1.2M. Call: 668-7988 Toyota 212; working good $400,000 –Call: 622-6527 Nissan X-Trail 2013 model, fully loaded, 2500 cc cut 31000KM -$8.9M negotiable, serious enquiries only. Call:685-3069; 644-9141 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 AT192, 212, Allion, Premio, Hilux Surf, BRR, RZ & Pitbull,Pajero Junior: Cash / terms- Call:680-3154 Toyota Hilux Surf 3Y fuel injected automatic transmission. Call: 600-6195
Whole sale pork for sale-Call: 644-8396 Dachshund puppies (dewormed) -$15,000-Call: 2160521/ 694-3567 XBOX one (newest model), XBOX 360E, 250GB with games and controller. Call: 683-8386 One front house and one 2 storey back house for sale @ 180 CharlotteStreet Bourda. Call:2265183;227-6817;624-7341
TO LET
New model vehicles unregistered Spacio & Allion. Call: 681-7117; 2275950
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 Nice puppies for sale- Call: 693-6444 1- Bedford Model M Truck with Winch GRR series; 1-330 BL Excavator; 1-3306 fuel pump; 1-3306 Turbo; 1-3306 Starter. Call: 655-2385
Two bedrooms apartment in Eccles short & long term-Call: 225-3234; 698-7807
1 Fishing boat 46ft in length with ice box, 550lb seine and 1-40 HP Yamaha -$1.5M negotiable- Call: 690-6327
Bottom flat for rent in Diamond. Call: 615-5833 LAND FOR SALE
Golden Retriever. Tel: 6997077, 619-6086 (this one is for May 7 only)
Land @ Enmore E.C.D. Call: 628-0016; 667-2536
Husky Pup. Tel: 699-7077, 619-6086
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM 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 FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 2 Bedrooms apartment to rent in Diamond for more information. Call: 676-0037 Two bedrooms apartment @ Diamond Housing Scheme. Call: 602-7135 (Continued on 23)
Saturday May 07, 2016
City Hall meets with... From page 17 urged them to “not leave your stocks; carry home your property.” King contended that a meeting is slated for next Wednesday for the purpose of looking at the progress of the relocation. King said, “We have to be fair and just, vending must be done in an organized and legal way.” Food vendors in certain areas around the market square were permitted to vend from 19:00hrs to 05:00am (7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.). However they will not be allowed to erect structures that include tables and chairs.
Mayor Chase-Green urged vendors to see the positives of the Council's efforts to clean and beautify the city, while they (M&CC) seek to organize those persons that are a part of street vending. The Mayor said that the Council accepts full responsibility for the expanded vending situation and conceded that over the years, vending got out of control. “We take responsibility for losing control over the vending situation,” she said. She blamed the past Council's political predicaments and noted that City Hall's, “foot soldiers” had not done justice with inaccurate reports of the streets.
Charitable organization donates to GPHC's... From page 14 ongoing burn care information online,” the Minister said. He added that the Foundation was instrumental in the establishment of the Burn Care Unit and has since supported the Unit with, equipment, funding, training and educational materials. “All of their efforts have contributed to better care of thousands of patients which the Burn Care Unit has
served,” the Minister noted. He added, “The Guyana Government is eternally grateful for all of your support and we at the Ministry of Public Health are very enthusiastic about these donations.” The Canadian High Commissioner said that the two countries have shared a relationship for many years. “We have to work together and grow together,” Giroux said.
Evadnie Enniss... From page 19 conducting testing, measurement and calibration. It provides formal recognition that a laboratory has implemented a laboratory management system, thus providing a ready means to customers to identify and select reliable testing, measurement and calibration services to meet their needs. To maintain this certification, laboratories are re-evalu-
ated periodically by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards to ensure that there is continual compliance with the requirements and to check that their standard of operation is being maintained. The laboratory may also be required to participate in relevant proficiency testing programmes between reassessments, as a further demonstration of technical performance.
PPP Parliamentarian... From page 5 ongoing Commissioner of Enquiries into the March 3 tragedy. Editor, there is no doubt that the APNU+AFC coalition continues to do a remarkable job at cleaning up the City. But David Granger needs to stop acting like the Mayor of Georgetown and focus more on his duties as President. Surely the need to stop the deadly crime spree that’s rampant throughout the country should take precedent over the cleaning of drains and the relocation of vendors, but this is not reflected in the Administration’s list of priorities. With the incompetence that has now become the hallmark of the APNU+AFC coalition, I’m afraid even a cabinet reshuffle will prove useless to a visionless government with no plans. Further, had the PPP/ C used the 28 turbulent years of PNC rule as an excuse not
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Kaieteur News
to fix the infrastructure and grow the economy, Guyana would still have been the poorest country in the hemisphere after Haiti. Harry Gill, MP (PPP)
Hit man’s uncle now charged for 2008 Ruby businessman’s murder The uncle suspected in the murder-for-hire plot against Ruby businessman, Habiboodeen, was charged for murder on Friday last when he appeared at the Leonora’s Magistrates Court. Michael London is the third person charged in one week for the murder of 76-year –old businessman, Habiboodeen, who was attacked and beaten at his Ruby, East Bank Essequibo home on February 15, 2008. The pensioner succumbed in a hospital according to reports. London stared straight ahead and remained silent during the few seconds it took Magistrate Rushelle Liverpool to read the charge to which he was not required
to plead. The resident of Tuschen Housing Scheme Essequibo is accused of working with the dead man’s daughter, Bibi Habiboodeen, who police say ordered him to help her find somebody to kill her father. It was reported that she offered $6M plus a house and land to have the killing carried out. Police believe London arranged for his nephew, Linden Lewis, to act as the hit man. Two other murder accused were charged jointly for murder on Wednesday. They are scheduled to make their next court appearance along with London on June 21. According to reports Lewis was arrested 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 last, Lewis admitted to killing Mr. Habiboodeen, while complaining that he had never received full payment for the job. He told investigators that 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 Prime Minister is these... From page 4 minority PPP government, the sum of GY$23M was voted for in the National Budget for the acquisition of a 4x4 vehicle for the then Prime Minister Mr. Samuel Hinds. 2. The records inherited by the Coalition Government show that that sum was instead used for the purchase of a vehicle which was assigned to the Ministry of Finance under then Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh. The legality and prudence of such an act is to be determined by those possessed of the expertise and authority to so do. 3. In the 2015 budget, the sum of GY$22m was allocated for the purchase of the vehicle for use by the Prime Minister. This was necessitated by the fact that the vehicle purchased in 2014 ended up not at the Office of the Prime Minister but at the Ministry of Finance. 4. The Prime Minister does not have “a fleet of more than 20 vehicles”. Any such claim, as was made by “Ms. King-David” is an untruth. 5. The Office of the Prime Minister has 11 vehicles in total. Four are assigned to
the Prime Minister. Two of the four are used by security personnel. 6. Of the vehicles inherited from former Prime Minister Sam Hinds, several were found to have been malfunctioning and in very poor condition. On a recent trip the headlights on one of the inherited vehicles came loose and fell out. Another of the vehicles was in such poor condition that it encountered extreme difficulties in navigating the elevated section of the Berbice Bridge. 7. The official residence of the Prime Minister was received in a state of disrepair and not fit for human occupation. Remedial works are being completed. All of these works were executed in a transparent manner. Any imputation of an absence of accountability is without merit. 8. The Prime Minister’s salary was increased only marginally to take it above that of the Attorney General to correct an anomaly which existed under the PPP government. This was a virtual accounting in-
crease, as, the fact is, the Honourable Attorney General’s take home salary (as that of his predecessor Mr. Anil Nandlall) is greater than that of the the Prime Minister.This is for the simple reason that the Prime Minister’s salary attracts the deduction of taxes while the AG’s does not. These are the facts. The people of Guyana will determine what they deem to be the ulterior and/or barefaced agenda of Guyana Times and its surrogates. The loose language, misinformation, skillful and selective use of cherry-picked bits of information while deliberately excluding other pertinent facts has become the trademark of the newspaper which styles itself as the Beacon of Truth. From the evidence of its content, along with its raw obsession with the Prime Minister,the Guyan Times may wish to consider whether it should not modify its slogan to‘Being of Untruth’. Imran Khan Press Secretary to Prime Minister Moses V. Nagamootoo
From page 22
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Three remanded for Casino robbery Under heavy police escort, the three men accused of staging an armed robbery at the Princess Casino last Friday, arrived at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Upon entry into the court compound, the men shielded their faces with clothing to cover up their identity. Hurriedly, they marched into the police lock-ups where they were held until afternoon when they were placed before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan. Wayne Griffith, 29, of Bagotville, West Bank Demerara; Junior Stewart, 30, of Lot 141 Thomas Street, Kitty, Georgetown; and Andre Blackman, 35, of Lot 6 Middle Street, McDoom, East Bank Demerara stood calmly in the prisoners’ dock as a charge of robbery under-arms was read to them by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. The charge alleged that on April 29, at Providence, East Bank Demerara the men while being together with others, and armed with guns, robbed Daniel Roberts and Alfea Gajadhar of $8,951,000 - property of the Princess Ramada Casino. They were not required to plead to the indictable charge
and were remanded to prison until May 20, for reports. According to police, four men arrived at the Ramada Hotel in a white motorcar bearing a fake number plate. They were armed with guns and entered the casino and discharged several rounds. They relieved a security guard of his shotgun and ordered patrons and staffers to lie on the ground. It was reported that the accused also held a cashier at gunpoint and made off with local and foreign currency. Three of the alleged bandits reportedly escaped on foot, while police were able to apprehend Griffith since he was allegedly left behind in the casino. Stewart was reportedly arrested in a house last Sunday with a large quantity of wet money and other valuables. Blackman, a former security guard at the Casino allegedly provided the gunmen with vital information about the gambling spot’s operations. During the ordeal, Police Lance Corporal Andrew Richardson and four hotel staffers sustained gunshot wounds. Griffith and Blackman were represented by Attorney George Thomas. In a bail
application for Blackman, Thomas told the court that there is no evidence that his client was physically a part of the crime. He added that Blackman never provided police with any written or caution statement in relation to the alleged robbery. The Attorney also made a request for his client to be given special care if he is to be incarcerated because threats have been made to his life. According to Thomas, Griffith has marks of violence
about his body. He said that these were inflicted on him by investigators while he was in custody. As a consequence of the beatings, the lawyer stated that his client is now urinating blood and made a request for him to be seen by a doctor. Attorney Mark Conway represented Stewart and stated that his client had been in custody since Sunday. The lawyer also alleged that Stewart had been beaten at the hands of police. Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones strongly opposed bail for the
trio citing the gravity of the charge and penalty attached to the offence. He pointed out that an offence of such nature attracts punishment of up to life imprisonment. Jones further highlighted the fact that a firearm was used during the commission of the robbery. According to the Prosecutor, investigations are still ongoing in the matter and that charges of attempted murder and possession of illegal firearm and ammunition are likely to be laid against the accused. Griffith, Jones stated, shot the police officer
during the robbery causing him to be hospitalised. He disclosed that Griffith was caught inside the casino with a gun. But Griffith quickly refuted the prosecutor’s claim. He told the court, “Me aint shoot nobody.” Further supporting his objections, the prosecutor informed the court that Griffith and Stewart currently have matters of possession of illegal firearm and ammunition before the court. He stressed that it was while the men were out on bail for that offence, they committed this robbery. (Feona Morrison)
Trinis help pay for body NAREI assists Wakapoa farmers of murdered Berbice with caterpillar infestation man to be flown home Trinidad (Trinidad Guardian)- Generous Trinidadians have responded to an appeal by Guyanese national, Kumar Shivpersaud, to help send the body of his murdered friend and countryman, Khemraj Persaud, back home for burial. Persaud’s body was flown back to his Berbice, Guyana home Thursday, 10 days after he was murdered. Shivpersaud said his parents will receive the body. Funeral arrangements have been made for today. Shivpersaud, on Wednesday, thanked many individuals and the cricket teams Persaud represented in the eight years he has been visiting and working in Trinidad, for their generosity. “Without their support, we would have never been able to send his body back home to Guyana, because he comes from a poor family.” Shivpersaud said that he was not entrusted with the funeral collection, so he could not say how much money was received. “But there is a list of all the names of the people who contributed. Most of the money was used to pay
Killed: Khemraj Persaud Boodoo’s Funeral Home, where the body was stored and for his flight back to Guyana. There is some left and that would be given to his (Khemraj’s) parents.” Persaud, 30, was shot to death at Duncan Village, La Romaine, on April 25. His friend, Guyanese Sean Boodhoo, with whom he shared an apartment, was also shot and remains warded at the San Fernando General Hospital. The two men were em-
ployed in construction work in T&T. To date, police have not made any arrests and suspect that shooter may have fled to Venezuela. Shivpersaud said he hoping the suspect is caught and convicted for the crime but left everything in the hands of the police. According to a police report, the suspect, while visiting a relative in the apartment building where Persaud and Boodhoo lived, reportedly urinated on a washing machine the men used. During an argument Boodhoo, who witnessed the act, chastised the suspect. Persaud who was inside the apartment came out and tried to quell the disturbance. However, the suspect went to his parked vehicle, took out a gun and opened fire, hitting both men. Persaud was shot twice in the head and died on the spot. Boodhoo was shot in the chest and was taken to the hospital where he underwent emergency surgery. Shivpersaud said he visited Boodhoo on Tuesday and he is recovering well.
A farmer shows off one the caterpillars during the NAREI visit to Wakapoa Extension Officers of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) are on the ground assisting farmers of Wakapoa, Curimaru, Myrie and Yarrashirima affected by the caterpillar infestation. Extension Officers operating in Region Two were informed on Wednesday, about the infestation in the riverain communities. An assessment was subsequently done and it was observed that over 200 acres of cassava farms were infested. NAREI will be assisting the farmers with chemicals (best-tac, fast-tac, or alphacypermethrin) to combat the pest. It is impor-
tant to note that these chemicals are available on the local market. Extension Officers will be conducting informal training sessions to educate farmers about the safe and effective usage of the chemicals for optimal result. In addition, NAREI will be working closely with the Toshao and Village Council to ensure all affected farms are treated. NAREI is cognizant of the devastating effects the caterpillar infestation would have on crops and by extension, the communities. As such, farmers are asked to be watchful and to report any abnormalities to Extension Officers immediately.
Saturday May 07, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Two years after 2011 commissioning…
Audit finds $69M NIS Corriverton -Tender Board bypassed branch worth $38M when contract awarded
Fmr. NIS Chairman, Dr. Roger Luncheon It was commissioned at a staggering cost of $69M in 2011. But two years later, a 2013 report valued the newly finished branch of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) at Corriverton, Berbice property at $38M--a shocking $31M less. The construction of that branch was one of several instances that highlighted how things were handled under the previous NIS Board of Directors, the entity that is charged with administering social insurance for thousands of Guyanese. A forensic audit report released this week by the Ministry of Finance on NIS, covering the period December 2011 to May 31, 2015, redflagged several instances of direct interference by the Office of the President, into the affairs of the entity. Many times, it seems, the decisions by Cabinet were handed down and the board accepted them without question. Chairing the NIS Board of Directors for years until his party, the PPP/C, lost the early general elections in May last year, was Dr. Roger Luncheon. That official was also the Cabinet Secretary. The Corriverton branch had made the news in a very bad way for the previous ad-
Two years after being built for $69M, this NIS branch at Corriverton, East Berbice, was valued at $38M ministration after documents relating to the construction revealed what appeared to be high costs for the building. It was an embarrassment for NIS which is also facing tough financial times as it expenses are outstripping income. According to the report, prepared by auditor HLB R. Seebarran & Co., the branch was reconstructed in 2010/ 2011 and commissioned in 2011 at a whopping cost of $69.9M. The report said that NIS Board appointed a sub-committee called the Tender Evaluation Committee headed by a Director and including three independent partiesamong them Samuel Goolsarran from the Consultative Association of Guyanese Industries. A Consulting Engineer who was appointed provided an estimate of $50.6M to construct the building. TENDER BOARD BYPASSED Auditors found that an advertisement was then published in the press in April 2010. It is here that things
got strange. The NIS board decided to take it upon itself not to have the contract handled by the National Board for Procurement and Tender Administration. Rather, the bids were handled by the Tender Evaluation Committee. The reasons given were because of delays in the procurement at the National Tender Board. However, only two bids came in - Fyffe Building & Contracting Works $52.5M -3.7% above estimate and one from G. Bovell Construction Service for $112.8M or 222.6% above the estimate. The report said that Fyffe Building & Contracting Works was awarded the contract. The project was overseen by the Consulting Engineer and Building Maintenance Officer of NIS who p l a y e d a n integral part throughout the construction. This was evident by the many reports he had submitted. At a sub-committee meeting held on November 22, 2010, the Chairman of the
Board, Dr. Luncheon, was informed that a variation of $8.1M was required for electrical works and a generator which took the total cost to $60.6M. According to the report, there were several issues during the construction as the contractor had difficulties meeting the deadline. At a su b - c o m m i t t e e meeting held on March 18, 2011, the Assistant General Manager informed the Board that a financial arrangement was worked out to have the scheme procure various items on behalf of the contractor. Things did not improve and on May 20, 2011, the Chairman took several decisions including terminating the contractor’s services. However, it appeared that the NIS Board then made an about turn, reversing that termination 10 days later. It was explained that the Office of the President decided to keep the contractor as the project was in a desperate situation and was at its final stage.
It was also decided that an additional expenditure of $10M would be incurred and that the procurement of goods will be done by NIS. The project was commissioned in 2011. VALUATION? According to the forensic audit report, in 2013, a valuation of the property pegged the value of the Corriverton property at $37.9M compared to the cost of $69.9M, an impairment of $32M. According to the forensic audit report, there was evidence that suggest unhappiness by the Board over the valuation of the Corriverton branch. As a matter of fact, records included that NIS Finance Controller stopped External Auditors from working on the 2012 Audited Financial Statements. However, the Board was later assured that the value of the property was accurate. The Board then decided
to leave the embarrassing valuation report from audited financial statements for 2012 and 2013. The forensic auditor made it clear, in his conclusions, that the construction of this office was fraught with problems from the beginning. “It appears that the engineer’s estimate did not include major cost components like the generator and additional electrical works to facilitate the generator. In addition, it seems that the construction was poorly supervised and had to be extended way beyond the estimated deadline to allow for the finish of construction.” The auditor also highlighted the Board’s questionable decision to terminate the contractor’s services but subsequently changed their minds because of interference by the Office of the President.
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Deportee charged for Teen critical after being Parika fuel dealer’s murder struck down by biker Kurt Thomas who claimed that he never held a gun in his life was charged on Friday for the fatal shooting and stabbing to death of Parika fuel dealer Seeram Singh. “I’m innocent. I never hold a gun in my life; I never shot nobody!” Thomas shouted in protest as the officers led him from the Leonora Police Station. Once in the compound, Thomas of Hyde Park, Parika, East Bank Essequibo, called “Deportee”, proclaimed his innocence loudly. He insisted that he was wrongfully accused. It is alleged that on April 30, last, at Essequibo, Thomas murdered Seeram Singh during a robbery. He was not required to plead to the charge for the capital offence of murder. The prosecution requested more time since further investigations are ongoing. Kurt told Magistrate Rushelle Liverpool that he was in the lockups for 72 hours and “The police never told me what they picked me up for”. The Magistrate informed him about the court system. “First there are the charges then a preliminary inquiry, then a trial. That’s just how it works.” According to reports, 52year-old Singh of Lot 40 Parika Outfall, East Bank Essequibo, was shot twice, once in his back before his attacker escaped with his jewellery. Kaieteur News under-
Seeram Singh
Kurt Thomas
stands that the slain man’s girlfriend who was in custody in connection with the murder was released yesterday. According to reports, Singh was walking along the roadway at Parika Outfall when a man came up from behind and shot him to his back. After the businessman fell, the shooter reportedly stood over him and shot him to his chest and head before taking away some of his jewellery. A .32 live round and a bullet casing of similar caliber were found at the scene. According to information received, the killer only took Singh’s gold chains, even though the businessman had his wallet and cell phone, and was wearing gold rings when he was killed. There are suggestions that the businessman’s death may have been a “hit” which was planned to look like a rob-
bery. Police arrested the victim’s ex-lover, who had allegedly threatened to kill him after he had dumped her and started seeing other women. Police sources have confirmed that when Singh was killed, he was speaking to the same woman on his phone. According to the source, the woman told the police that she did not hear the gunshots but heard the businessman screaming on the other end of the line. The businessman’s daughter, Shavita Singh, had said that her father was at home but left when his exlover called him on his cellular phone. She related that she and the woman had several heated verbal exchanges in the past. The daughter alleged that a male relative of the woman had also threatened to kill her father. A few days ago, the businessman and two of his workers were taken to the police station after the woman and her daughter accused him of stealing a welding plant. That matter was discharged. The father of five operated a cargo boat which took fuel into the interior.
A 12-year-old Friendship Secondary School boy is battling for his life at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after he was struck down by a speeding biker. The accident occurred around 11:45 hrs yesterday, a short distance from his school on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) Public Road. The injured teenager has been identified as Jonathan Ashby, of Diamond New Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD). Reports are that the 12year-old boy was standing on the EBD Public Road when he was struck down by the biker. The biker, according to information received, claimed that the teenager and his friends were playing on the roadway when one of the teen’s friends suddenly
Critical: Jonathan Ashby pushed him out on the road— this caused him to strike down the teen. He is now in custody assisting with the investigation. Meanwhile, at the hospital yesterday, the teen’s uncle, Derrick Spencer, said that the doctor informed fam-
ily members that Ashby’s condition is critical. “We heard that he was with some friends and someone on a bike hit him down,” the man said. He claimed that the teen was first rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre then transferred to the GPHC. Kaieteur News was told that when an unconscious Ashby arrived at the GPHC on a stretcher, he had to wait some two hours before he was taken into the Accident and Emergency unit to be seen by a doctor. “It was only after my aunt started to behave bad on them then they took him into the room. The people at the triage area said that he has to wait his turn. He is now breathing from a machine,” a female relative said. Investigations are ongoing.
T&T denies setting up facility to house J’can deportees PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - (CMC) – The Trinidad and Tobago Government has denied suggestions that it is establishing a new facility near the Piarco International Airport to house Jamaican nationals prevented from entering the oil-rich twin island republic. On Thursday, the Jamaica Observer reported that Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith, had informed the Standing Finance Committee (SFC) of the House of Representatives of the new development as it completed its review of the 2016/17 Estimates of Expenditure. Johnson Smith told legislators that she had been in-
Edmund Dillon formed of the decision in correspondence received from her Trinidad and Tobago counterpart Senator David Moses following bilateral discussions during the United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) meeting just over a week ago. Johnson Smith said that the issue of the treatment of Jamaicans who are denied entry at the Piarco Airport was a fairly complex one, but that the new development was an indication of the progress being made in their discussions. However, National Security Minister Edmund Dillon, speaking at the end of the weekly Cabinet meeting here, said that it was wrong to say that the new facility, expected to be completed in July, would only house Jamaicans. “As the acting minister of foreign affairs…it is not specifically for Jamaicans. It is for anyone who has been debarred entry based on immigration status. “We are treating with
them in a particular way, so it is not for Jamaicans and we are putting measures in place to treat with anyone,” he added. Relations between the two CARICOM countries have been strained over the decision of Port of Spain to deport a number of Jamaicans whom they said would have been a charge on the state for their stay here having shown no means of sustaining themselves while in the country. A former national security minster here has blamed the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) for the number of Jamaicans arriving here and urged the government to maintain a tough stance on the immigration issue. The Jamaica foreign affairs minister said that in respect of the discussions regarding the free movement of people, it has already been agreed to refer the matter to the regional leaders when they meet in Guyana in July.
Saturday May 07, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Panama Papers source breaks silence, denies being a spy (Reuters) - Sueddeutsche Zeitung said on Friday that the source of millions of documents leaked to the German newspaper from Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca had sent them a manifesto, saying his motivation was the “scale of injustices” the papers revealed. The source had never before publicly stated why he leaked the documents, now known as the Panama Papers, said Sueddeutsche Zeitung (SZ), one of Germany’s most reputable newspapers. In an 1,800 word manifesto published on the SZ website on Friday, the source, calling himself “John Doe”, praised others who have leaked secret and sensitive documents, such as Edward Snowden, who revealed details of the U.S. government’s mass surveillance program. “For his revelations about the National Security Agency (NSA), he deserves a hero’s welcome and a substantial prize, not banishment,” the source wrote. He also said he would be willing to co-operate with law enforcement agencies. He called on the European Commission, Britain, the
United States and other nations to take steps to protect people who reveal private information about such sensitive issues rather than punishing them. “ L e g i t i m a t e whistleblowers who expose unquestionable wrongdoing, whether insiders or outsiders, deserve immunity from government retribution, full stop,” he said. The source, who contacted the paper a year ago with an offer of encrypted internal documents from Mossack Fonseca, denied being a spy but said he had recognized the “scale of injustices” described in their contents. The documents cover a period over almost 40 years, from 1977 until last December, and purport to show that some companies domiciled in tax havens were being used for suspected money laundering, arms and drug deals and tax evasion. Reuters could not independently verify whether the source was the same person who leaked the original documents. The source’s identity and gender is not known. Sueddeutsche Zeitung
spent more than a year, along with other media outlets and the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, analyzing the huge cache of documents. On Friday, Sueddeutsche Zeitung introduced the manifesto by saying: “Now ‘John Doe’, the anonymous source, has sent the SZ a manifesto, which can be read as an explanation of his actions – and as a call to action.” The source welcomed the fact that the leak had triggered a debate on “wrongdoing by the elite” but said not enough action had been taken. “For the record, I do not work for any government or intelligence agency, directly or as a contractor, and I never have,” he said. The source was critical of banks, financial regulators, tax authorities, the courts, and the legal profession, as well as the media, saying he had offered the documents to several major media outlets that had chosen not to cover them. “The collective impact of these failures has been a complete erosion of ethical standards, ultimately leading to a novel system we still call Capitalism, but which is tantamount to economic slavery.” The source ended the manifesto by saying “inexpensive, limitless digital storage and fast internet connections” should help digitize the revolution against income inequality.
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Life bans for ex-South America FA duo Jadue, Bedoya ZURICH (Reuters) Two leading former South American soccer officials, including one who sat on FIFA’s executive committee, were banned for life yesterday as the fallout continued from the graft scandal that has engulfed the sport. The ethics committee of soccer’s ruling body said in a statement that Chilean FA president Sergio Jadue and f o r m e r C o l o m b i a n FA president Luis Bedoya had been found guilty of five offences under the federation’s code of ethics including bribery. Bedoya is also a former member of FIFA’s executive committee and both men are former vice-presidents of the South American governing body CONMEBOL. Bedoya and Jadue have
President of Chile’s Football Federation Sergio Jadue speaks after receiving a distinction for the America Cup the draw of the 2015 Copa Sudamericana tournament. (REUTERS/JORGE ADORNO) already pleaded guilty in the United States to racketeering conspiracy and wire fraud
conspiracy, according to a Department of Justice statement published in December.
Saturday May 07, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Sudden romantic connections may be short lived. You can have a working relationship with children if you exercise patience and understanding of the dilemmas they face.
succeed. LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Enjoy the company of relatives today. Try to curb your bad habits. Your creative talent may well be recognized by others today
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) This will be a good day for research and for sitting down with some good, informative reading material. Deal with inlaws today. Be prepared to counteract the damage that adversaries are about to create.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You should avoid getting involved in the personal problems of colleagues. You are going through a period of questioning. This is a great day for a family outing or just a drive.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Try not to skirt issues if you think you'll hurt someone's feelings. Visit someone who hasn't been feeling well lately. Social evenings at your place will be highly successful. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Be sure to think twice before you say something that might hurt your partner's feelings. Put financial speculation with family members or friends on the back burner for now.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Make residential changes that will lift your spirits. You will be able to work with fine detail today. You should get out and meet new people today. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Be careful not to hurt the ones you love. Partners may try to argue with you; however, you must stand your ground. Try to accommodate them without infringing on your own responsibilities.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You will have to control the way you feel. Sign up for courses that will help you understand yourself better. Keep important information to yourself.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Try to have patience and refrain from being judgmental. You may find that your emotional partner will not be too eager to accommodate you. Not everyone will be pleased with your plans.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) This is a turning point. Large organizations may try to talk you out of your hard-earned cash. Get busy on projects that improve your own image; you'll have the discipline to
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You may find your nights sleepless due to bad dreams. Hobbies will be good for your emotional well being. Work hard on improving your living quarters.
Colombia’s Soccer Federation President Luis Bedoya speaks during a news conference after CONMEBOL executive committee meeting. (REUTERS/JORGE ADORNO) They are among more than three dozen officials, nearly all from Latin America, who have been indicted in the U.S. in the graft scandal that plunged FIFA into the worst crisis in its 112-year history. “Their guilty pleas related to two schemes by means of which they asked for and received bribes from sports marketing companies in relation to the awarding of marketing rights (for competitions),” said the ethics committee. It added that the competitions involved included the Libertadores Cup, South America’s equivalent of Europe’s Champions League, and this year’s centenary
Titans, Prayer... (From page 27) dominating the other. By the seven-minute halftime whistle the score line was nil-all. The second half saw desperate attempts to score by both and just when it seemed the would end scoreless, Jermaine Tinch put Tucville ahead when he found the back of the net in the last minute. But Amias Benjamin clung on to faith like Job in the Bible and scored the equalizer with 20 seconds remaining in the match. Champions Titans collected a trophy and $50,000 for their work, while Tucville took home $25,000 and a trophy as the runner up. Baller FC, another Church team gained a walk over to finish third and take home $15,000 and a trophy, while Young Warriors ended in the fourth position and received $10,000. In the ladies final, it was the clash of two Church teams and Prayer Warriors defeated Amazing Grace 2nill.
Copa America that will be held in the U.S. The ethics committee said the two men had breached articles on general conduct, loyalty, duty of disclosure, cooperation and reporting, conflicts of interest and bribery and corruption.
Bedoya was president of the Colombian federation from 2006-15 and was a member of the FIFA executive committee from 2014 until last year. Jadue was president of the Chilean federation from January 2011 until he resigned in November. The ethics committee has sanctioned more than a dozen officials, including some of the sport’s top administrators, since it was reformed and given more independence in 2012. Life bans have been given to former FIFA executive committee members including Mohamed Bin Hammam of Qatar, Jack Warner from Trinidad and Tobago and American Chuck Blazer. Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter and European soccer boss Michel Platini were banned for eight years, later reduced to six by FIFA’s appeals committee, and former secretary general Jerome Valcke for 12 years.
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Amir Khan can beat Saul Alvarez, says Lennox Lewis BBC Sport - British boxing legend Lennox Lewis says Amir Khan can upset the odds and beat Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez today, if he sticks to his game-plan. Khan, 29, has jumped two weight divisions to challenge his Mexican rival for the WBC middleweight title at the TMobile Arena in Las Vegas. At Friday’s weigh-in, both men scaled 155lb, bang on the catch-weight limit. “Khan can win if he doesn’t mix it up with Canelo and uses the sweet science instead,” Lewis told BBC Sport. “Khan is a great boxer, moves well and throws great combinations. He will need controlled movement against Canelo, not running around for the sake of it. “You’ve also got to remember that it’s not him going into the fight by himself, it’s him and his trainer [Virgil Hunter]. “So if Khan strays from the game-plan, Virgil is there saying: ‘Hey, what are you doing? You were winning each round sticking to the game-plan.’
Amir Khan (right) meets Saul Alvarez for the WBC middleweight title. (Reuters) “I am worried about what will happen when Khan gets hit, but he’s been down in other fights and I think mentally he’ll be able to overcome it.” Thousands of fans flocked
to the weigh-in, which took place in front of the T-Mobile Arena, just off the Vegas Strip. Many Mexicans are in town to celebrate the festival
of Cinco de Mayo, meaning Khan’s smattering of followers were greatly outnumbered. Alvarez-Khan will be the first boxing match to take place at the
20,000-capacity venue. “It’s a big challenge for me, I’m up against a great fighter but I’m focused and 100% confident I can win this fight,” said Khan, who is bid-
Mickey Arthur appointed Pakistan’s head coach ESPNCRICINFO - The PCB has appointed Mickey Arthur as Pakistan’s head coach. He fills the role vacated by Waqar Younis’ resignation in April, following Pakistan’s early exit from the World T20. This is Arthur’s third assignment with an international side; he coached South Africa from 2005 to 2010, and Australia from 2011 to 2013. A PCB release said Arthur was expected to take over by the end of the month. Arthur, who played 110 first-class matches in a South African domestic career lasting a decade and a half, has had a chequered past as an international coach. He tasted plenty of success with
South Africa, helping them to their first series win in England in over 40 years, in 2008, and their maiden series victory in Australia in 2008-09, and leading them to the No. 1 ranking in Tests before resigning following a breakdown in his relationship with their captain Graeme Smith. Australia won 10 of their 19 Tests under Arthur, but the team had an uneasy relationship with him, culminating in the infamous Homeworkgate episode on the tour of India in 2012-13. He was sacked from the role less than three weeks before the 2013 Ashes series in England. Since then, Arthur has coached a number of franchise sides including Jamaica
Mickey Arthur leaves after a conciliatory meeting with Cricket Australia, Sydney, July 24, 2013 ©AFP Tallawahs, Dhaka Dynamites and most recently Karachi Kings during the inaugural Pakistan Super League in 2016.
Following Waqar’s resignation, the PCB appointed a panel comprising Wasim Akram, Ramiz Raja, and Faisal
Mirza to help them in their search for a new head coach. The PCB release said the panel forwarded four recommendations to it. “Following detailed consultations on this matter at the last Board of Governors’ meeting and further telephone consultations by the PCB Chairman with BOG members, discussions with Mickey Arthur were initiated and he has confirmed his acceptance of the post of Head Coach of the Pakistan National Cricket team.” The PCB has not revealed the other candidates on its shortlist. Peter Moores, the former England coach, had told ESPNcricinfo that he had declined an approach from the PCB.
ding to become Britain’s 12th current world champion and only the third former lightwelterweight world champion to win a middleweight world title. “I also feel a bit left out, being one of the best fighters in Britain but not holding a world title. I want to prove that I belong at the top. This is my time.” Also in attendance at the glitzy presentation were boxing legends Evander Holyfield, Julio Cesar Chavez, Robert Duran and Bernard Hopkins, as well as the fight promoter Oscar de la Hoya. Although the match was made at five pounds under the 160lb middleweight limit, the 25-year-old Alvarez, a natural light-middlweight, is expected to weigh as much as 175lb on fight night, almost a stone more than Khan. Khan has been knocked out twice in 34 professional fights, leading some experts to believe the fight will be over the first time Alvarez lands clean. Alvarez has lost once in 48 pro fights, against Floyd Mayweather in 2013, and 32 of his 46 victories have come by way of knockout. Alvarez’s trainer, Eddy Reynoso, has warned that the Mexican people want revenge for Khan’s victory over the great Marco Antonio Barrera in 2009. On that occasion, a clash of heads in the first round opened a cut on Barrera’s forehead and caused the fight to be waved off in the fifth. The result effectively ended the career of the former three-weight world champion, who beat British great Naseem Hamed in 2001 and is perhaps most famous for his trio of fights against fellow Mexican Erik Morales. “[Khan’s victory over Barrera] hurt,” said Reynoso. “Canelo beating Amir Khan on Saturday would give satisfaction to the Mexican fans.”
Saturday May 07, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Titans, Prayer Warriors win Church meet Street Fustal tourney By Sean Devers Under the theme ‘50 teams, One day, One winner’ the annual Fustal indoor fivea-side Knockout Football competition organised by C&A Unique in collaboration with South Quake Youth Ministries was held on Thursday night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall as part of Guyana’s Jubilee events, promised plenty of action. The ‘Arrival day’ event, dubbed ‘the Church versus the Street’ saw only 20 teams participating with most of the Church teams showing very
little faith in God’s ability to provide them with the skills to compete against players who have been playing ‘small goal’ football in the Streets since they could walk. Co-Organizer and President of South Quake Youth Ministries, Alistair Griffith, said some of the Churches who failed to show up might have been intimidated by the Street teams. But he expressed satisfaction with the one-day competition which concluded with the Male final which was witnessed by a small gathering.
“I am pleased that we have achieved most of what we set out to do and that the standard of play in both Male and Female finals was very high. This was our first venture at the Sports Hall,” Griffith disclosed. “Of course we had a few glitches which we have learned from and I can’t wait for next year’s tournament,” Griffith added. Ironically, it was a Church team which captured the title as Titans got past Tucville Street side 6-5 on penalty shootout after the exciting 14minute encounter end 1 all at
Jamaican Government pumps $35m into JII meet
Jamaica Observer - The Government of Jamaica has pumped a whopping US$300,000 ($35m) into the Jamaica International Invitational meet which is said to be a revered Jamaican product. Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, the minister of sports, said every year thousands gather inside the National Stadium beaming with pride in anticipation of the next great experience and celebrating a legacy that makes everyone proud to be Jamaican. “There is no doubt about Government’s commitment to the development and promotion of sport in this country and so I am pleased to inform you that through the Sports Development Foundation we have donated approximately US$300,000 to this year’s event,” said Grange. “With Rio Olympics on the horizon, this weekend is another opportunity to showcase Brand Jamaica to the world in all facets imaginable and to whet your appetite of what is to come in August,” said Grange. “Each year we must seek to improve on previous successes as to raise the bar with the aim of elevating the event from IAAF World Challenge status to that of the premier Diamond League standard,” said Grange “This year the main focus of the participating athletes is to sharpen their skills for the upcoming Olympics, but we must also ensure that they experience Jamaica beyond the walls of the National Stadium, particularly those who are visiting with us,” she pleaded. “We must ensure that they leave our shores with Jamaica in their hearts and eager to return, be it in a private or professional capacity.” The JII meet started in
Minister of Sports Olivia Grange making a point at Jamaica International Invitational meet press briefing at the Pegasus Hotel. Michael Gordon. (Jamaica Observer) 2004 as an Area Permit Meet with the main objective being the development of the nation’s track and field programme, by bringing many of the world’s premier athletes to Jamaica. The one-day meet is also intended to expose local-based Jamaican athletes to international competition. “The mantra of this new administration is growth, growth and more growth, and world-class hospitality service through sports is one of the ways this country can experience real economic growth,” the minister pointed out. Minister Grange said she was excited by the galaxy of stars that would be competing today, anticipating stellar performances that should make this year’s event the best yet. “We put our money where our mouth is. $25.5m has been allocated for the development of a full-blown project proposal and business plan which has been approved by the Public Sector Management Committee just last month for the Jamaica Sports Museum,” Grange said. “In this Olympic year the
ministry will go back to the drawing board so as to deliver a system that can provide awards and incentive to our athletes in an equitable, transparent and sustainable manner, utilising international best practices. We are looking at an Endowment Fund,” she revealed. Grange, whose Jamaica Labour Party came to power in February, also revealed that the new government has allocated $17m for the fight against doping in sports through public education and communication. “We always have to prove to the world that we are as strong and determined to fight doping in sports as any other country in the world,” said Grange, to loud applause from the small gathering. “And if that is not enough, an additional $38.6m has been allocated to the Anti-Doping Commission for testing and scaling up of the technical capacity of the commission. It will be invested in intelligence and investigations and providing payment for testing officers,” she added.
full time. After each of the five players from both sides had
scored, Titan’s Dwayne McLennan netted the winning goal in a game with saw
fast paced and aggressive football with neither team (Continued on page 25)
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Saturday May 07, 2016
Kaieteur News
STAG / EBFA Senior League
Grove play Mocha; Herstelling face Diamond as champions will be decided They met in the first match of the league back in early March, Grove Hi Tech prevailed in that encounter 41 over Herstelling Raiders and now on the final day of the league tomorrow, Herstelling like Grove, can attain championship glory. Grove, the defending champions have suffered one loss the same as Herstelling who are enjoying a dream season after finishing in the penultimate position of eight teams when the league was last held in 2014. It {League} was not held last year owing to a directive by the former GFF TD. Tomorrow however, whichever way it goes will be an entertaining day for fans and supporters of both teams. Grove will play the first match of the afternoon from 13:30hrs against an improved Mocha Champs. The home team will have to pull out all the stops in order to keep Mocha at bay as
they aim to successfully retain their title and bragging rights as the best team on the East Bank. Herstelling will bring the curtain down on the STAG/
EBFA Senior League when they face off with Diamond United lagging at the bottom of the table without a point but will not be any pushover despite.
Golyn 10/10 resumes this weekend with several matches around the country One ball manto also resumes The Golyn 10/10 softball cricket tournament organized by the Guyana Softball League and sponsored by the Golyn and sons, Trophy Stall and Miss Love Trading (West Coast) resumes this weekend with five matches on the West Demerara that will give the teams a chance to go one step forward towards a quarter finals berth in this zone. The East Coast and Leguan zones will start as soon as the weather gives a chance and the grounds are prepared. The person to contact for all East Coast teams is Herman Persaud on telephone number 643-3033/ 223-6535 and for Leguan Chintamanie on tel number 692-9611/629-0039. The East Bank and Linden zone administrated by Representative Shafeek Mohamed (657-2300) and Mortimer Denny (653-2589/ 442-1562) will commence as soon as the weather permits. The fixtures for West Demerara are as follows: Prem XI versus Unstoppable XI: Both teams are getting their acts together by finding a settled combination and will look to make a case for
Grove Hi Tech FC
Herstelling Raiders FC
themselves. Prem XI possess a good bowling line up that will look to exploit the Unstoppable XI batting which doesn’t seem to have the depth. On the other hand Zaheer Hanif and Lincoln Leander will carry the weight and these two have a lot of experience to counter the Prem XI bowling. The match will go down to the wire with both teams looking to grab the initiative in the early. Ruimzeight XI versus Super bet XI: Ruimzeight will look to go another notch up the ladder in the points table as they can be very explosive on their day. The Superbet XI who are a good young side that can win sessions but lacked the finishing touch so far in the tournament but can upset any team if they can concentrate and be efficient in the bowling department for long periods. Amazon Warriors versus Maracs XI: The Amazon Warriors XI will be high in confidence having come from behind to shock Vipers XI and record a memorable victory. They will look to gain another victory
as they sense the opposition are in a quandary having lost their last two encounters. Maracs XI on the other hand will look to win this encounter to gain some much needed points. Westsiderz versus Mighty Lions XI: Westsiderz are a new team that can create some upsets in this tournament and have been hard at practice as most of their players are from the West Bank area and have been playing alongside some of the best players from time to time. Mighty Lions have a good track record and can dominate this match if the players can create some openings in the batting or bowling. This a good match which can go either way. Westsiderz versus Power XI: Power XI do not look like the side that went to the quarter finals in the last tournament but on their day can beat any team so they will look forward to dominating the Westsiderz who are relatively new to this format. Meanwhile, the one ball manto will resume this week for trophies and a ‘King of the Manto” will be crowned.
This scenario makes it dangerous for Herstelling as Diamond will not want to finish the league pointless. Grove are on 12 points, two more than Herstelling, both playing 5 matches. A win for them would see them retain the championship, even a draw since they have a superior goal difference of
+9 to Herstelling’s 0. Therefore, losing would not be an option for the Grove boys. A win for Herstelling over Diamond can see them being crowned champions only if Grove falls to Mocha. All the teams will be aiming for polished performances in their quest to end the league on a high. The League winners will pocket
$300,000; 2nd place $150,000; 3rd place $100,000 and 4th place $50,000. There will also be individual awards for the Highest Goal Scorer, Best Goalkeeper and Most Valuable Player while the Fair Play Trophy is at stake for the Most Disciplined Team. Kick off time tomorrow is 13:30hrs.
Tuschen Sports Club overcome West Side XI
Ryan Adams Tuschen Sports Club, led by half centuries from Leroy Clark and Ryan Adams defeated West Side XI by nine wickets in a T20 fixture played recently at Tuschen ground, East Bank Essequibo. Batting first, West Side XI posted a challenging 170 all out in 19.4 overs. Jake
Leroy Clark (right) and Vishnu Singh Rambharose struck 60, while Bready Persaud got 42 as Adams bagged 4-35, Vishnu Singh 3-20 and Ravindra Dookie 2-34. Clark and Adams then made light work of the target as Tuschen responded with 171-1 in 15 overs. Clark stoked
76 while Adams made an unbeaten 58. The pair came together after Dookie went for 25 and took their team home with an unbroken second wicket stand of 89. The game was sponsored by Supreme Petroleum.
Kaieteur News
Saturday May 07, 2016
All set for Mayor’s Cup football opening today at Victoria Football fans on the East Coast of Demerara are expected to troop to the Victoria Ground for the start of the Mayor’s Cup Football tournament today from 6:00pm. Following two postponements due to the recent weather, Coordinator Lennox Arthur has indicated that all is set for the event’s opening salvo, with action set for today and tomorrow at Victoria. Today the Linden teams will march to the East Coast venue looking to make a successful start to their Mayor’s Cup campaign, however, the East Coast boys are planning a fiery reception for them. Ann’s Grove challenge Eagles United in the first game, while BV Triumph will collide with Mile Rock in an East Coast versus Linden opening night. Fans are in for a treat as more football action is set for the same venue tomorrow evening with another anticipated
Lennox Arthur competitive double header. Mahaica are down to challenge Soesdyke in the opening fixture at 6:00pm, while in the nightcap at 8:00pm, Golden Grove t a c k l e B u x t o n Bakewell. The teams are battling for the Mayor’s Cup and a first prize of $700,000, second $300,000, third $200,000 and fourth
$100,000. The Coordinator, who is a former National footballer and Coach and has been behind this event for all of its 22 years, had indicated that this year’s cup will form part of the 50th Anniversary Jubilee celebrations. The games will be of 90 minute duration and if no result is derived after this period then 20 minutes of extra time will be contested. No further result or deadlock will be determined by penalty kicks. Players involved in this tournament must be affiliated to their respective associations where the invited clubs are drawn. No entry fee is required. The tournament is governed under the rules and directives of the Guyana Football Federation. Players with double yellow cards or red cards will be penalized in accordance with the rules of the competition and the GFF.
PAGE 33
Suriname sending large contigent for ‘Golden Jubliee’ Drags Dragsters from neighbouring Dutch territory Suriname are aiming to make things real diifficult for local competitors when the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club host its ‘Golden Jubliee’ Meet on May 15, at the South Dakota Circuit. This is according to word emanating from Suriname that will be sending a large contingent to battle the Guyanese dragsters for supremacy in what is anticipated to provide a nerve tingling exhibition of raw speed. G u y a n a ’s A n a n d Ramchand and the Daby brothers Rondell and Peter
will have to pull out all the stops to keep the Dutch at bay according to early reports, but there is no doubt they possess the machines and fortitude to do so. The Surinamese will be led by the experienced Hans Ijzer whose GMC Typhoon is no stranger to Guyana and a machine that every local dragster respects and his support will come from Ashton Ceyaram, who pilots a Toyota Chaser, Ruifan Chen (Honda Integra), Prakash Lachman (Toyota Supra), Micheal Namchand (RX7), (Navin Lalbiharie (Nissan 350Z), Jean-Paul Jose (Ford Cobra Jet) Lester
Choi (Nova) and Vi d y a k o e m a r S o e k h o e (Mitsubishi Evo). They will also be represented in the Superbike category by Tom Gomperts (Suzuki GSX R) and Giovanni Slagveer astride a similar machine. The Porta Tree Timing System which is equipped with specialized starting lights that allow quarter mile speeds to be recorded will be used during the day’s races. Races commence at 09:00 hrs and admission for adults is $1,000, $500 children, while children under-12 and vehicles are free.
Kaieteur News
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Saturday May 07, 2016
Buxton edge 10-man Monedderlust; GFC hold Pele STAG ELITE LEAGUE – FINALE
Play in the Pele vs GFC match on Thursday May 5 at the Leonora Stadium. Buxton United notched their third win of the Stag Elite League Finale when they edged 10-man Monedderlust 3-2 on Thursday evening last at the
Leonora Track and Field Football Field, while Georgetown Football Club (GFC) recorded just their second point in 12 matches when they held Pele to a 1-
Buxton United’s Clive Andries on the move against Monedderlust on Thursday night at the Leonora Field. 1 draw. Contesting the feature match, GFC could have very well recorded their first win of the Finale but buckled under pressure in
the final five minutes of the match which allowed Pele the equa l i z e r, T r a v i s ‘Zorro’ Grant tucking in th e g o al in th e 8 6 th minute. GFC had taken the lead five minutes to the half way mark when Keron Solomon’s shot rocked the back of the nets to stun Pele. The Bourda boys defended very well in the remaining minutes of the first half and second half but were not able to hold on for the win. Buxton put together their third win of the season having already s uffered 7 l o s s e s w h i l e s tringing together tw o draw s . Eson Hamer sent the East Demerara side ahead in the
21st minute. Monedderlust, flying the flag of Berbice in this inaugural league found themselves a man less in the 30th minute when Selwyn Jack was ejected for denying an o b v i o u s g o a l s c oring opportunity. B u x t o n s o o n celebrated the advantage w h e n D e n v or Dennis doubled the advantage two minutes after the red card. But M o n e d d e r l u s t showed admirable fight when they reduced Buxton’s lead to one goal five minutes before the break. Delbert Wilson was the man on target for the West Berbice based team. The second half motored
on with Buxton desperately trying to restore the two goal cushion which they achieved in the 62nd minute thanks to Rondell Assanah’s strike. It was not yet over however as Monedderlust against fired back to narrow the advantage, Akimo Watts rocking the nets in the 76th minute. The game soon ended with Buxton taking full points to move to 11 points in the standings while the losers remained on 6 suffering their 8th loss. Mat c h e s c o n t i n u e d last evening at the same venue when Alpha United mat ched skills with the GDF and Slingerz o p p o s e d F r u t a Conquerors.
Kaieteur News
Saturday May 07, 2016
PAGE 35
Gardner preparing Calvin Ming to race his for 2nd leg of 10k Suzuki Radical at Barbados in Nickerie Festival of Speed tomorrow Marathon After winning O-55 category last Sunday in Paramaribo By Sean Devers
The impressive Suzuki Radical machine that Calvin Ming would be driving tomorrow. The Barbados Festival of Speed this weekend will be a major Caribbean car and bike racing event featuring as a, participant, no less a person than reigning Grand Prix Champion, Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton will drive one of his Grand Prix cars, flown in specially for the Bushy P a r k e v e n t , o n demonstration, but it is yet unclear whether he will compete, in the feature Suzuki Radical Challenge Series. Guyana, however, will be strongly represented, by Calvin Ming, driving his brand new state-of- the-art Suzuki Radical, recently purchased for the event by Team Ming. Calvin currently holds the Bushy Park track record
which he recorded in practice on his less developed Radical at the last Suzuki Challenge series at Bushy Park. A large group of spectators from Guyana are expected to fly in for the Barbados Festival of Speed and will be there to cheer on the Ming Team. Calvin and his former bike-race champion father, Stanley, are already in Barbados preparing for the Bushy Park event. The Ming Team arrived in Barbados straight from competing in the first 2016 F1600 Formula F Championship for Team Pelfrey at Road Atlanta in the US. Calvin had mixed results at Road Atlanta, competing in the three Formula 1600 Races. He placed 5th in his
GDA host 18-team oneday tournament today The Georgetown Dominoes Association (GDA) will be hosting a one-day eighteen (18)- team tournament today, at the President’s residence at Gaulding Place, South Ruimveldt. According to Organising Secretary Mark ‘Jumbie’ Wiltshire, who spoke to Kaieteur Sport via telephone yesterday, the event is being organized by President of the GDA Faye Joseph and the cost to enter per team is $10,000. Wiltshire said the competition is open to all interested teams and double-six time is 14:00 hrs. He added that the tournament is all part of the GDA President’s effort to continue to popularize the sport and at the same time help lift the standard locally. The Organiser also informed that once again a zero tolerance policy will be in place for teams or individuals who attempt to flout the disciplinary statutes set up by the GDA.
first and second races, but Ming’s driving had the spectators standing on their feet in race three. Starting from the back, as a result of a spin-out in practice, Ming fought his way to the lead in the final lap, but ended up 3rd in a 3 car neck to neck finish at the chequered flag. After Barbados, Calvin will return to compete in the next Formula 1600 Event in the US at Watkins Glen.
On Sunday last in the Dutch land of Suriname, Guyanese continued their dominance in the Telesur 10K race with 59-year-old Llewellyn Gardner winning the first leg in Paramaribo in the Over-55 category. Guyanese Cleveland Thomas won the overall race among the Males after fellow Guyanese Cleveland Forde who travelled to Suriname but picked up an injury and could not defend his title. American based Guyanese Euleen JossiahTanner finished first among the women, while Linden Harrison, another Guyanese ended second in the over-45 division. Running in Suriname is nothing new to the still very fit looking Gardner whose previous win there was on November 21 last year when he captured the over-55 segment of the Srefidensi Marathon in Paramaribo on his birthday. The veteran distance runner finished the 26 miles in 40 minutes and is now preparing to defend his title next week Sunday when the second leg is held in Nickerie.
Llewellyn Gardner won the Srefidensi 10K Marathon in Paramaribo last year on his 59th birthday. Gardner, who said team Guyana has won top honours every year for the past 10 years, is also training for the 10K race which starts from Independence Square in Georgetown on May 22. “I train every other day at the National Park doing five laps or speed training with includes 25, 50 and 100 meters sprints. I also run from Georgetown to Plaisance on the East Coast,” Gardner informed. Gardner is trained by Rising Stars Coach Leslie Blacks and trains alongside Alika Morgan who won last year in Suriname but was not there this year. Without private sponsors
most of those who travel overseas to represent Guyana would be ‘dead in their boots’ and Garden was high in praise for former Guyana cricketer Lennox Cush and Star Party Rentals. He also commended Windjammer Hotel, Sleep Inn Hotel and Money for being among those that readily support sports in Guyana and he was proud to have them as some his sponsors. Gardner says his love for running is what keeps him competing and has no intention of retiring anytime soon. Like good wine Gardner seems be getting better with age.
t r o Sp
Suriname sending large contigent for ‘Golden Jubliee’ Drags
Suriname’s dragster Jean-Paul Jose (right) poses next to his Ford Cobra Jet.
Dutch competitor Tom Gomperts burns tyres on his Suzuki GSXR 1000cc Superbike.
Titans, Prayer Warriors win Church meet Street Fustal tourney
Champions Titans show off their trophy.
All All set set for for Mayor’s Mayor’s Cup Cup football football opening opening today today at at Victoria Victoria
Prayer Warriors won the female title.
Grove play Mocha; Herstelling face Diamond as champions will be decided
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