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
Diversification needed for economic survival
Given the collapse of the sugar industry, the falling prices for rice and problems associated with the gold industry, it is time for the government to think seriously about the long-touted need for diversification of the economy, especially the agriculture sector which remains relevant today. Food production for self-use, local consumption and especially for export will always be important for foreign currency earnings. Diversification of the economy and the future of agriculture production lie within the myriad of new technologies and the manpower skills available. In fact, any increase in food production depends on modern technology and skilled manpower. Land is not an issue in Guyana. The country has more than enough land available for all categories of agriculture production. However, the talk about diversification by successive governments only resurfaces whenever the economy enters a phase of negative growth rate and the need to create new foreign exchange income streams. The government has to stop the never-ending quibbling over what state the country is in and who caused it. With the economy struggling and few good paying jobs available, now is not the time for the people to focus on their differences, race and other issues but to remember that before they became politically involved, they were first and foremost Guyanese. This is the time for the people to be resilient and show their entrepreneurial spirit. There is nothing inherently wrong with diversification. It is primarily about creating new export goods and services that will be globally competitive. Competitiveness is about the use of knowledge, inventiveness and innovation. The goal is for the government to direct expenditure into economically viable projects and development avenues, starting with manufacturing and agriculture. Diversification is urgently needed to make full use of all available resources, especially labor, greater access to international markets, greater investments and more financing opportunities, especially for small and mediumsized enterprise Guyana has all the necessary elements to make it a successful country in every sector of the economy. In agriculture, there are excellent skills, exceptional entrepreneurs as food producers, and near perfect weather but the government has to harness them. However, effective management and visionary and transformative leadership are lacking in the agriculture sector. The economy needs experienced and qualified personnel who understand the development fundamentals of agriculture projects. But it is lacking in this area. A wise Guyanese once said that if you want to plan for a year; plant rice. If you want to plan for ten years; plant coconut trees, but if you want to plan for 100 years, educate the people. Education, including technicalvocational education, along with other critical elements is the key to human and sustainable development. Education and careful planning by the government are needed to build a quality workforce and create new businesses which will generate income and create decent paying jobs. Diversification also calls for the building of a new embryonic private sector that is adaptable and understands the value of knowledge and innovation in building export capacity. Diversification of the economy should be grounded in the creation of micro and small agro-businesses using new technologies, along with a framework for training. In this way, the persons who are trained at the taxpayers’ expense will not be lost to nonagriculture jobs or eventually migrated to other countries which could be another financial drain on the country.
Saturday May 21, 2016
Jerry Gouveia denigrated this man and his family DEAR EDITOR; I have seen a letter to the media from Mr. Gerry Gouveia seeking to personally denigrate Mr. Michael Correia and his family which can only be described as self-centered, selfserving, self-indulgent and narcissistic. I respond only because Mr. Gouveia has insulted both myself and Captain Chan-A-Sue by claiming that Mr. Correia, at Board Meetings, shouts us into silence. Anyone who knows Captain Chan-A-Sue, to say nothing of myself, and reads this nonsense is bound to find it laughable. It, however, demonstrates the extraordinary low level to which Mr. Gouveia is prepared to descend in public to express his ire. My company has provided professional public communication consultancy services to a very large number of highly regarded companies
and corporations here in Guyana, in the Caribbean and, from time to time, internationally. My company has also represented Ogle Airport Inc. for over 15 years. I can say without hesitation that Michael Correia is one of the finest CEO’s I have been privileged to work with. In the course of these years, I have witnessed, under Michael Correia’s leadership, the extraordinary growth of what is today the Eugene F. Correia International Airport from a light aircraft facility with a tiny airstrip built mainly for the purpose for accommodating Guysuco’s crop dusters, to a first class Regional International Airport. It cannot be gainsaid that, though the idea and original commitment came from five local aviation companies, including Gouveia’s company, to form
Ogle Airport Inc. to bid for the privatization of Ogle Airport in 2001 when the Airport was ruled as unsafe by the International Civil Aviation Authority and threatened with closure, it was Correia’s company and Correia’s determination to stay faithful to the commitment when the others balked at the investment. It is mostly Correia’s money that has built the International Airport from which Gouveia’s company and the others operating out of the Airport and, indeed, Guyana, benefit today. For me, it is unthinkable that Gerry Gouveia, whose company’s contribution to the investment in the Airport is 2¼ percent, should attack the Correia family in this ugly public fashion. What has been achieved at Ogle, it is worth reminding Mr. Gouveia, when he makes self-serving comparisons with his own achievements, has never depended on political patronage for its success. Kit Nascimento
off their shirt-jacs and put on their suits and ties, after telling us that we must decolonize our clothing and tastes. At that moment, it should have been clear to us all, that these politicians were only paying lip service to Burnham’s ideas to lead this country to true independence and economic justice. A far cry from Burnham’s PNC, today’s PNCR can best be described as a centre-right, imperialist friendly, middleclass electoral outfit, that have completely surrendered to the neoliberal capitalist agenda which can only widen the gap between rich and poor in Guyana. In order to be accurate, our politicians and commentators must differentiate between substance and
form and stop referring to the PNCR as the PNC. In today’s political landscape, Organization for the Victory of the People (OVP) is the only political entity that embodies the aims, objectives and aspirations of Forbes Burnham’s PNC. Our leadership and membership is made up of many Burnhamites, who fully understood and supported the policies put in place by Burnham – policies that even his detractors have admitted would have laid the foundation for a strong, self-reliant and just Guyana – very different from the Guyana that we are trying so hard to celebrate in 2016. That is why during the 2015 General and Regional Elections campaign we were able to make the bold claim that “OVP is the real PNC”. The struggle continues. Gerald A. Perreira, Chairperson, OVP
My party is the true inheritor of the PNC’s legacy
DEAR EDITOR; A number of politicians and political commentators continue to refer to the largest member of the present coalition government, PNCR as the PNC. This is erroneous. The PNC that was founded by Forbes Burnham was an anti-capitalist, anti-imperialist and antiracist, nationalist party. Let us make no mistake; that party died with Forbes Burnham. What we have today, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) is a creation of Desmond Hoyte and other opportunistic and reactionary elements in the former PNC. These are the same people who, as soon as Burnham was laid to rest, threw
Guyana is under assault thanks to politics
DEAR EDITOR; Politics, crime, and violence in Guyana: is there a nexus? Is there a history? Is this the reality? These are sure to be provocative, even unwanted, questions. They still must be asked and explored. It has been said that choke-and-rob banditry had its origins in the stormy strife-political, racial, social-of the pre-Independence period, and became entrenched immediately after Independence. The victims were mainly of a
particular hue, and the perpetrators mainly that of another. The GPF came in for its share of condemnation: disinterest, sloth, bias, and no relief. Experience and commonsense alone provided sound basis for the thinking of the victims, as to the origins of their plight with immovable emphasis on political targeting. Rightly or poorly, the decades of fear, brutality, and psychic as well as physical devastation, are encapsulated in the aforementioned solitary fast-
This is achievable but it needs very careful planning, execution, monitoring and evaluation. It should not be left to the private sector given its history of its failure to evolve towards becoming innovative exporters. The immediate requirement is for the government through the Ministry of Business to conduct a rigorous
exercise that examines the global current and future demands/needs and the country’s ability to be competitive and profitable in meeting some of these. The government ought to know that diversification is necessary for the long-term survival of the economy and the country.
moving paragraph. Not long after, the choke-an-rob of the streets was eclipsed by the rampages of kick-down-the-door of homes onslaughts. The beliefs and claims of political source, political ugliness, and political orchestration strengthened considerably. Delusional or damning? The latter has had widespread currency and irrefutable traction, especially in the minds and communities of one segment of the populace. And then came the 21st century. There was this new fantastical phenomenon labeled the phantom squad. It multiplied. Ownership and sponsorship are still debated publicly; but known privately in relation to fingerprints and blood group. Once again, there is unyielding sentiment-this time from a different segment of the citizenry-as to political partnership, political arrangements, and political schemes. Such sentiments have near zero contestability. It is where suspicion has mutated (Continued on page 31)
Kaieteur News
Saturday May 21, 2016
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How can a former President How prevalent is this un-Hindu practice write such non-truths? in Guyana? DEAR EDITOR; Kindly permit me to express my thoughts on a recent letter from Pt. Balbudar published under the caption of ‘Desecration of Tuschen Mandir, supposed to have taken place in observance of Mother’s Day. There are two issues addressed in his letter. First is the celebration that took place after Sunday morning’s services would have been completed. If meat and alcohol were served and obscene music was played, then that is inappropriate to have been permitted. The organizers are to be blamed in no uncertain way. The question to ask is how prevalent is this practice in Guyana! Is it an isolated case? If it is isolated, the tone of the letter writer seem to want to convey that all else needs the discipline of training, certification and licensing. If we are questioning dancing in the building then we ought to similarly protest to our Indian counterparts in India where dancing is part of the mandir presentation on auspicious occasions. Do I need to add certain obnoxious practices of by some resident priests? How about ‘Navaratri’ and Holi Celebrations in various forums in North
America where there are Bollywood singers on stage and a Mela atmosphere with business much in focus? Let us protest these. The second issue addressed and is more profound. It is the call for the formal control through training and licensing of Pandits. Hinduism has survived pre-Vedic, Vedic, post Vedic challenges from Jains, Buddhist, etc. and foreign invasions in attempts at conversion. Tolerant it being, it has absorbed some protest doctrines to accommodate the aspirations of its adherents. The religions has flourished and spread worldwide, yet, we do not have such a call from the land of the origin of the religion for such regulations. Regulations are the least thoughts of anyone. Why the call now? Another subjugation of masses by a few who make it a hereditary second income protection? Let them declare and pay taxes on the dachna that they receive. A donkey cart owner and a street vendor have to pay a licensing fee (and no doubt taxes). Let our pundits pay up then with licensing. You want pleasure, there is pain! Guyanese Hindus have had enough of the dictates of the political power struggles of the past leaders of the various Hindu organizations where the masses become the (Continued on page 31)
I am suffering unjustified disconnections
DEAR EDITOR; I reside in the Parafaite Housing Scheme and received a supply of electricity from the Guyana Power and Light. I am however dissatisfied with the low voltage and frequent black outs received. I am more dissatisfied and upset though over the numerous times the supply of electricity to my home has been cut off for nonpayment apparently, by contractors employed by the company when this should not have been done. Since 2014, on the following dates 15th August, 1 3 t h S e p t e m b e r, 11 t h October 2014, 14th May 2015, the supply was cut off: - Reconnection was done after I visited the Office at Vreed-en-Hoop with my receipts to confirm that payment was done on time.
Each time I visited the office to complain I received an apology and arrangements were made for the reconnection to be done. In. April 2016, the contractor disconnected the supply on the 14th. I visited the office once again and expressed my disgust. Arrangement was made for the reconnection to be done and I received an apology. I was informed in order to prevent a recurrence a force entry had to be attached to the account indicating that the lights should not be disconnected. I been given nothing to
show to the contractors mind you (each month there are different contractors) if they come once more. Surprisingly on May 12th, at 11:06 am the disconnection was done again. I visited the office again where it was discovered that there was another mistake and I was promised reconnection. All of the reconnections above except May 12T” I had to wait until after 10:00 pm to get reconnected. Regrettable to the time of writing at 9:30 am on the 13th of May the power is still off. I publicise this situation, hoping that I may never, never again be faced with this embarrassment. Loletha Hodge
DEAR EDITOR, The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) wishes to respond to a letter by Mr. Donald Ramotar that was published in the Stabroek News on Saturday 14 May, 2016 titled ‘The Government is Discriminating Against Africans who support the PPP/C. In the letter Mr. Ramotar stated that,‘also, there are reports of the many highly trained technical people/ Indo-Guyanese who are being fired at GuySuco without reason’. The Corporation finds this statement by Mr. Ramotar to be bordering on recklessness since it is baseless and basically an untruth. In addition, based on the nature of the statement we are taken aback that a person of Mr. Ramotar’s calibre and whose duty is above that of the ordinary person would write so loosely and carelessly and have these expressions published. Mr. Ramotar further stated that, ‘at the same time, old retirees, some almost in their nineties are being employed with super salaries. It is reported that these persons are guaranteed
a take-home pay of $1.2 million per month!’These are two consultants in factory operations, one in Agriculture and one in Human Resources Department. The gross pay for these consultants plus vacation allowance and gratuity will cost the corporation $140 million per year. This does not include expenses for vehicle, fuel, security and domestic staff. This is a clear case of jobs for the boys’. Once again, the Corporation is surprise that Mr. Ramotar would make the above statement. One would have thought that Mr. Ramotar because of his special experiences in national development, strategic business planning and the requirements for reengineering an industry, such as the sugar industry, would have a greater appreciation for the critical need to engage the appropriate expertise and the best available resources if one is serious about reorganizing an developing a resilient business or industry. We hereby take this opportunity to provide Mr. Ramotar with some useful insights on the vision and direction for the GuySuCo
we are re-creating. The reality is that GuySuCo is currently challenged by both external and internal forces; this challenge nevertheless, has presented a rear opportunity for the Corporation to be rebirthed, be re-configured, and re-engineered so that it can become a resilient business. New skills and expertise are being recruited and developed from within. The organizational psychology and sociology would have to change. Basically we would have to change the way we think and do business. The management of the Corporation is in the process of reviewing and revising that psychology and sociology or behavior and strategic focus of the Corporation, since we have recognized that we cannot continue to do the same things and expect different results. In some cases, we have recognized that mere change will not be sufficient; we would need to have profound change. Audreyanna Thomas Senior Communications Officer, Guyana Sugar Corporation
Saturday May 21 2016
Kaieteur News
Egypt finds human remains and belongings from plane crash at sea
An Egyptian military search boat takes part in a search operation for the EgyptAir plane that disappeared in the Mediterranean Sea in this still image taken from video on Thursday. (Egyptian Military/Handout via Reuters TV (Reuters) - Egypt said yesterday that its navy had found human remains, wreckage and the personal belongings of passengers floating in the Mediterranean, confirmation that an EgyptAir jet had plunged into the sea with 66 people on board. President Abdel Fattah alSisi offered condolences for those on board, amounting to Egypt’s official acknowledgement of their deaths, although there was still no explanation of why the Airbus had crashed. “The Egyptian navy was able to retrieve more debris from the plane, some of the passengers’ belongings, human remains, and plane seats,” the Civil Aviation Ministry said in a statement. The navy was searching an area about 290 km (180 miles) north of Alexandria, just south of where the signal from the plane was lost early on Thursday. There was no sign of the bulk of the wreckage, or of a location signal from the “black box” flight recorders that are likely to provide the best clues to the cause of the crash. EgyptAir Chairman Safwat Moslem told state television that the current radius of the search zone was 40 miles, giving an area of 5,000 sq miles, but that it would be expanded as necessary. A European satellite spotted a 2 km-long oil slick in the Mediterranean, about 40 km southeast of the aircraft’s last known position, the European Space Agency said. Egyptian Prime Minister Sherif Ismail said it was too early to rule out any cause for the crash. The aviation minister said a terrorist attack was more likely than a technical failure, but offered no evidence.
NO CLAIM Although early suspicion centered on Islamist militants who blew up another airliner over Egypt seven months ago, no group had claimed responsibility more than 36 hours after the disappearance of flight MS804, an Airbus A320 flying from Paris to Cairo. CNN reported yesterday that flight data, from an automatic system called the Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS), suggested there were smoke alerts aboard the EgyptAir jet minutes before it crashed. ACARS routinely downloads flight data to the airline operating the aircraft. Two U.S. officials told Reuters an electronic sensor system had detected some kind of disturbance outside the jet around the time investigators believe it began falling from cruising altitude. They could not confirm CNN’s report that smoke had been detected inside the cabin. One of the officials said the disturbance outside the aircraft may have been caused by its sudden and rapid breakup, but also could have been generated by some kind of mechanical fault or accident or a possible explosion or attack. The two officials asked for anonymity when speaking about the still-evolving investigation. Jihadists have been fighting Egypt’s government since Sisi toppled an elected Islamist leader in 2013. In October, the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for blowing up a Russian airliner that exploded after taking off from an Egyptian tourist resort. Russian investigators blamed a bomb smuggled on board.
That crash devastated Egypt’s tourist industry, one of the main sources of foreign exchange for a country of 80 million people, and another similar attack would crush hopes of it recovering. The plane vanished just as it was moving from Greek to Egyptian airspace control. Greek Defence Minister Panos Kammenos said it had swerved radically and plunged from 37,000 feet to 15,000 before vanishing from Greek radar screens. Officials from a number of U.S. agencies told Reuters that a U.S. review of satellite imagery so far had not produced any signs of an explosion. They said the United States had not ruled out any possible causes for the crash, including mechanical failure, terrorism or a deliberate act by the pilot or crew. Three French investigators and a technical expert from Airbus arrived in Cairo early on Friday, airport sources said. Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the U.S. House Intelligence Committee, played down comments from U.S. figures including likely presidential nominees Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton that terrorism was the most likely cause. “At this point, we still can’t corroborate the theory that terrorism brought it down or there was some structural problem with the plane,” he told CNN. “Certainly, the backdrop is suggestive of terrorism in the sense that we have the Russian plane in Sharm el-Sheikh and we have the aspiration we’ve seen time and time again, not only of ISIL (Islamic State) now but of AQAP (al Qaeda), still very potent and still very determined to bring down aircraft.
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Kaieteur News
Saturday May 21, 2016
Saturday May 21, 2016
Kaieteur News
Don’t jump to conclusions
Reports in recent days have suggested that there has been an increase in gold declaration and a reduction in smuggling. But how accurate and factual are these reports? The increase in gold declarations is a statement of fact. This can be verified. If the government says there has been an increase in declaration, well no one should be disputing this fact because the numbers would confirm this. It is another thing however to say that there is a reduction in the smuggling of gold. There is not likely to be nay data to verify this. How does one verify that gold smuggling is on the decline? One way would be to use proxy indicators such as the number of smuggling busts made by the government and the old interdicted from these busts. The fact of the matter is that there have been no such reports. The fact of the matter is that despite the much vaunted claims of massive gold smuggling, not a single person has been prosecuted to date by the new government for gold smuggling. It is not rocket science to make these cases. If the Guyanese authorities are in contact with their foreign counterparts, it should be quite easy to determine who imported gold lawfully into other countries of the world.
That information could then be cross-referenced with those who lawfully exported gold. This situation is made easier because gold can only be exported by the Guyana Gold Board and other licensed dealers, if there are any. Making a case of gold smuggling should not be like solving a calculus equation. It should be quite easy. Yet, no one to date has been charged. The gold declarations should not be juxtaposed with the belief that there has been a decline in smuggling to arrive at the conclusion that the increase in gold declarations is as a result of the decline in smuggling. Both positions could be true, that is, there can be both a decline in smuggling and an increase in declarations without the former being responsible for the latter. This is why the media has to be careful about its reporting. The media has to be very careful with the way it analyses data and the way in which it reports on information provided. The media should be demanding more complete information so as to confirm its initial hunches or analyses. The increase in gold declarations is to be expected. The first half of last year was characterized by political uncertainty. Investors would have been worried and would have therefore lim-
Dem boys seh... Jagdeo been to crab dance yesterday If you ain’t get invite to crab dance don’t go. Another thing old people does seh is that beef nah got bone, dog nah got business. Some people got a problem because de new council put some hammer pun de property. De same city council people did move out dem taxi drivers. Was nuff moving because de council want de place to look clean and decent suh dem got this wrangling. Jagdeo see de wrangling between de people who get move and de council suh he decide to visit de area. He know that is like when a man get beat he does look fuh anybody to complain, even if is a child. Well dem boys seh that he ain’t going back to Big Market, not even to buy a phone card. He get a reception that not even a man who snatch a chain would get in de area. People call him from one thing to de next and dem boys don’t have to tell you what. All dem know is that he put a fine cussing pun some of dem. And while he cussing Soulja Bai unveiling an independence arch. And that happen because some one of Jagdeo Ministers sell de last arch fuh scrap iron. Dem boys seh that de people so happy that dem got dem own arch that dem wonder why this couldn’t happen before. But as old people seh, nutten don’t happen before its time. And talking about time, some people want to know how come some shops selling things so cheap. Dem boys seh that is no magic. If you pay duty and VAT then you got to charge fuh mek back you money. But if you don’t pay then it cheap. Dem boys ain’t saying that this is de case but just in case de goods come in duty free, like if some embassy bring it in, for example, then don’t talk about the price. Talk half and check who bringing in goods fuh free.
ited their investments. Others may have been hoarding their production as a form of security given the political tensions at the time. There are more plausible reasons, however, for the increase in declarations. For one, the price of fuel, a major input into the mining industry has declined and this decline could have allowed for increased mining. The price of gold has increased and the decline in oil prices have allowed miners,
this year, to enjoy a more profitable position thereby encouraging production and declaration. But data on increased mining activity, as distinct from merely declaration is not publicly available. There could also be another important factor. The PPP when it was in office had brought on stream a number of large gold mining companies. It was only in the second half of last year that two of these big mining operations began to produce
gold and this clearly impacted on the increased gold declarations in the second half of last year. The production from these large mines would clearly, also, impact on the increase for the first quarter of 2015 relative to the corresponding period last year. Unless there is a more complete reporting on the sources of gold declarations for 2016, it may be too premature at this time to conclude that the increase in declara-
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tions is attributable to the decline in smuggling. It would be interesting if the data is analyzed properly to determine whether the increase in declarations came primarily from the large-scale new mines or from small and medium-scale miners.
Cops detain missing woman’s husband, other man Break in Babita Sarjou case?
Police last night hinted at a major development in one of their most intriguing cold cases, with the taking into custody of the husband and a male friend of Babita Sarjou. Sarjou vanished without trace almost six years ago. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum disclosed yesterday that investigators detained Sarjou’s spouse and another individual on Thursday evening. The two men were still in custody up to press time. Kaieteur News understands that one of the individuals had resided at Timehri and also resides in Charlestown. Police had detained him during the early stages of their investigation. However, Blanhum declined to say what information police have received that led to the recent arrests. Sarjou, 28, left home on November 4, 2010 after telling her mother, Champa Seonarine, that she would be meeting with her estranged husband and four-year-old son at the Kitty Seawall to view the annual Diwali Motorcade. She was expected back at her mother’s Timehri residence around 21:00 hrs that night but never returned. Family members attempted to contact her on her two mobile phones but they appeared to have been turned off. Ms. Seonarine claims that the following day, a female relative received a text message from a man who is closely associated with Babita. The same man reportedly sent another text message enquiring whether Babita had turned up. Mrs. Seonarine said she first informed ranks at the Timehri Police Station about her daughter’s disappearance
then made a similar report at the Kitty Police Station. That led to police detaining and questioning a man and searching his home and septic tank. They also searched two other homes, but found no trace of the missing woman. Checks with Immigration officials showed no records of her leaving Guyana. In 2014, police requested DNA samples from Sarjou’s mother, after finding the skeletal remains of an unidentified woman on a Berbice foreshore. Sarjou had filed a harassment case against her husband, but the matter was subsequently dismissed. Last week, Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud and Crime Chief Blanhum met with Sarjou’s mother, Champa Seonarine, and formally notified her that police had reopened investigations into her daughter’s disappearance. Investigators contacted several individuals about Sarjou’s disappearance, and were able to obtain statements from them. The Caribbean American Domestic Awareness Organization (CADVA), a Human Rights Organization, has been pressing the police to have the Sarjou case re-opened. During a recent press conference, Chief Operations Officer Dianne Madray criticized the police for the investigation they had conducted into Sarjou’s fate. ”Every little clue they get, the organization would forward the information to the police,” she said. ”When she disappeared, we gave her phone to the police, where she was threatened. We showed them Facebook messages, but none of those
Missing since 2010: Babita Sarjou
things can be found now,” the woman said. Kaieteur News was told that the police never attempted to obtain a printout of all the calls made to and from Sarjou’s phone. Madray said that in 2012, CADVA had appealed to the Director for Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar AliHack for assistance. On January 6, 2012, CADVA was informed in writing by the DPP that further investigation was recommended to clarify certain issues. ”The DPP had advised that a sample be taken from the bone tissue of the skeletal remains of a female that
had washed up at the Weldaad foreshore less than a year after Babita disappeared,” Madray said. Kaieteur News was told that upon completion of all of the investigations recommended, the file should have been returned to DPP for further advice, but as of April 2016, that file was never returned. Madray said she had sent a letter to the Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, and on March 29, last, she received a response that her request would be passed on to the Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud.
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Saturday May 21, 2016
Kaieteur News
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
QUARREL OR CONFRONTATION: DAVID HINDS AND THE AFC The quarrel between Guyanese icon, David Hinds, and the Alliance For Change has escalated with a recent published accusation by an AFC defender. There appeared a missive in Kaieteur News last week attacking Hinds. It accused him of focusing on the AFC whereas he avoids the relevant object APNU. The letter was signed by Courtney Lane. The story began on April 25, 2016 in the Kaieteur News when David Hinds spoke analytically about the shortcomings of the AFC to which there was a harsh response in a press release by the AFC. Unfortunately, I think the
AFC misunderstood what Hinds was saying about the new deportment of the AFC. There was a subliminal meaning in what Hinds said to the Kaieteur News and it was in the defence of the AFC. There was a Freudian thread in David Hinds’s analysis that favoured the AFC. But sadly the AFC failed to decode both the subliminal message and the Freudian manifestation. Now the AFC and David are at it. Let us quote selected parts of the April 25 Hinds’s interview with KN. The paper reported; “The political activist said that his conclusion is also grounded in the fact that the AFC has not tried hard
enough to balance governing with a commitment to reform the broken political process. “My party, the WPA is also not without blame. We have not asserted ourselves enough. We have allowed our junior status to dictate the extent to which we try to influence the direction of the government.” (unquote). Who could frown on that opinion? Let’s dissect it. The following words need contexuality; “My party, the WPA is also not without blame.” The operative words here are “also,” and “blame.” What is David blaming the WPA and AFC for? Something all Guyanese are annoyed about. For me the
word, “all” is not an exaggeration. I am out there; the APNU-AFC Ministers are not. From the street cleaner to the clerk to the public servant to the intellectual to the business magnate, the feeling out there is that there does not seem to be a transformation of the 60 year old rut that Guyana is. Here is where the subliminality and Freudianism come into David’s interview. He is telling the AFC that the party is perceived to be the new kid that is looked upon to fix a broken system. The AFC can object to that using a time frame but not a political defence. The AFC can say that you have to give us more time but the AFC cannot deny the dysfunctional society it has inherited remains unchanged. I interpret Hinds’s analysis to have cited the factors that has caused the AFC’s slowness. He says either it is power or they are not trying hard enough. For me, this is mainstream analysis. It did not warrant such an irascible press release from the AFC. But one can ask
the question; didn’t the AFC play into the hands of critical analysts by the outcome of its retreat. I suspect David has information about the contents of that retreat thus his pointed criticism. In that retreat, the AFC has unambiguously asserted its request that there should be a more modern approach to power-sharing (to put it diplomatically) We come now to Lane’s swipe at David. Lane has a point. If the system is broken and it needs fixing and the AFC is not applying the fixtures then is it possible that APNU is the stagnating factor? Lane doesn’t ask the question. He asserts that APNU is not interested in transformation of the old ways of exercising power but interested in power for power sake. Lane accuses Hinds of refusing to discuss APNU’s role in the affair. I think Lane is trying to tell us that the AFC may have lost its patience with Hinds because they see his analysis as biased and dishonest.
Frederick Kissoon Finally, I think David’s emphasis on the systemic factors and his downgrading on the role of Harmon may have also infuriated AFC defenders. Yes, the system produced Joe Harmon; the system needs revamping but how can you overlook (I wanted to say exonerate) individual back-sliding (some may say egregiousness) and put it down to the system? The PPP had a system and a culture that sucked every newcomer into its vortex. But is David Hinds willing to down play the individual display of Machiavellianism that Bharrat Jagdeo brought to the PPP’s culture which led to its further degeneration? David is familiar with Jean Paul Sartre to know that the individual is as dialectically dynamic as the broad social force of which he/she is a part of.
Saturday May 21, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Ministry reports of 28 suspected TIP - fighting “heartless”, victims for 2016 As at yesterday, 13 cases of Trafficking In Persons (TIP) have gained the attention of the “Counter-Trafficking In Persons Unit” of the Ministry of Social Protection for this year. These cases have accounted for 28 suspected victims of TIP, according to Acting Coordinator of the “Counter-Trafficking-In Persons Unit”, Mrs. Tanisha Williams-Corbin. All of the alleged victims, she disclosed, were exposed to voluntary psychosocial support as is mandated by the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act of 2005. This support, according to her, include: medical services, counselling service, legal services, food, clothing and shelter, training opportunities, academic opportunities and job placements. The alleged TIP cases are currently gaining the attention of the Guyana Police Force which, according to Williams-Corbin, has been working closely with the Ministry. Williams-Corbin’s disclosure came yesterday at a forum to launch that is being described as the ‘Jubilee Edition’ Trafficking in Persons educational materials. The launch was hosted at the Cornhill Street, Stabroek, Georgetown, Ministry of Social Protection location. According to WilliamsCorbin, in January the Ministry recorded two suspected human trafficking cases involving two alleged victims. Both cases, according to her, were alleged to be cross border trafficking. And then in February five cases of human trafficking involving eight alleged victims were recorded. The following month the Ministry recorded two more suspected cases involving seven alleged victims, Williams-Corbin said. For April there were 10 alleged victims involved in three suspected cases of human trafficking that also gained the attention of the Ministry. “As at today’s date, May 20, the Ministry has recorded one suspected case of human trafficking involving one alleged victim,” WilliamsCorbin divulged yesterday. EDUCATION IS KEY And the Counter-Trafficking In Person Coordinator said, “We at the Ministry of Social Protection have recognised the key to winning against those heartless, soulless traffickers is education.” Education and knowledge of trafficking in persons across all sectors of society are key elements of suppressing the work of human traffickers. It is for this reason, she noted, that the introduc-
tion of the educational materials and novelties is a rather strategic tactic. “We pledge to continue to educate the Guyanese populace in efforts to increasing awareness to encourage reporting of suspected cases of human trafficking,” said Williams-Corbin. According to her, the Counter Trafficking Unit, as promised by the ruling Administration, has expanded to better serve the needs of those vulnerable persons, identified alleged victims and to better execute its mandate. In this regard, she added that the Unit now features two experienced probation officers and a passionate police rank. In addition to herself, the Unit also has the services of a Technical Officer and a Clerk. However, in the near future the Ministry will also be seeking to have its own legal officer as well, WilliamsCorbin added. Currently, the Social Protection Ministry has several programmes and departments aimed at addressing the root causes of human trafficking, particularly poverty, according to the Acting Coordinator. And she related yesterday that the Ministry’s intent is to provide services such as counselling, public assistance to alleviate poverty; psychosocial support based on the ‘Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act of 2005’ to alleged victims and survivors of human trafficking to reduce their vulnerabilities of being re-victimised. The provision of vocational training to the public to reduce alleged victims’ vulnerability is also seen as important as is the provision of grants and loans to at risk families, according to Williams-Corbin. She also amplified the Ministry’s efforts at enforcement of the Labour Laws of Guyana and protection of workers’ rights, and the enforcement of laws relating to
Mrs. Tanisha WilliamsCorbin
protection of all children. The Ministry, according to the Coordinator, is also tasked with conducting workshops and awareness campaigns, providing educational materials etc., to heighten awareness and sensitise the public on the phenomena. And the Ministry’s annual work plan as it relates to awareness campaigns, Williams-Corbin said, includes roadside gaffs, school awareness sessions, community awareness sessions, structured awareness sessions for community leaders, distribution of educational materials and novelties and awareness sessions with social minority groups inclusive of the Guyana Sex Workers Coalition and SASOD. But this is in addition to activities executed through the Ministry’s Ministerial Task Force, Williams-Corbin said. For three consecutive years, the United States, “State Department’s TIP Report” had placed Guyana on the Tier Two Watch List. This means that Guyana does not yet fully meet the minimum international standards for eliminating TIP, but the country is making efforts to do so. Since the Trafficking in Persons Act was enacted, very
“soulless” traffickers with education
little was done to make the legislation useful and effective. In this regard, Government announced its plans to reconvene meetings of the TIP Ministerial Task Force on this year. Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence, moreover, disclosed that Government recognises the negative impacts of human trafficking, and will take proactive measures to address this scourge, by putting a system in place that is aimed at its eradication. In observance of World
Human Trafficking Day, which is celebrated annually on July 30, the Coordinator said that the Ministry will be launching its ‘Look Out, Speak Up and Take Down Flash Mob’ that will be showcased at hotspots. Additionally, the Ministry will be launching its first ever Victims’ Rights Handbook. This book, according to Williams-Corbin, is intended to be a simple guide to the various stakeholders in helping victims to realise, understand, accept and demand their rights.
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Saturday May 21, 2016
Kaieteur News
Venezuela crisis:
NFMU Forensic Audit report reveals…
Guyana to take appropriate Quark, E-Networks owe NFMU $60M actions as the need arises
A woman with a sign reading ‘There is no food’ protests against new emergency powers decreed by Pres. Nicolás Maduro on 18 May. The government is closely monitoring the situation in neighbouring Venezuela since reports surfaced suggesting a possible refugee crisis. On Thursday, President David Granger said that Guyana is obligated to accept Guyanese who wish to return home. “I am very concerned about what is taking place
particularly the possibility of the involvement of the Venezuelan National Armed Forces, and I hope that an orderly approach is taken for the security of the whole subregion, because it will have an impact on the Caribbean as well… “Guyana has special interests because of the territorial issue but I think the
whole region is concerned about what is taking place in Venezuela, and I hope that there wouldn’t be a resort to lawlessness,” the President said. Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge assured that there is no reason for undue alarm; noting that while authorities don’t foresee any massive cross-border movements in the immediate future, Guyana will, on the basis of an assessment of the way things are, take appropriate actions if the need arises. “The Cabinet and Government have been alerted to these events that are unfolding but we are not of the view that you are going to get a massive flood of people. However, as a responsible government, we are getting an assessment from our own authorities and from those in a position to advice.” He explained that there is always movement across all of Guyana’s borders, which would dip and peak at varying periods but noted that, “from what we know of Venezuela’s capabilities we believe that movement of people across the border are
not likely to be of any magnitude that Venezuela’s authorities cannot handle, at least in relation to Guyana’s borders.” When asked about any regional mechanisms that are in place to address this issue should it escalate, the Minister said that the region has noted what is going on but the wider region captured by Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) and the Organisation of American States (OAS), has not examined the situation with a view to intervene in the sense of putting in place any sort of arrangements because such actions does not seem necessary at this point. Over the last three years, the Venezuelan economy has been on a downturn, which the political Opposition contends is the result of the poor policies implemented by the Nicolas Maduro-led Administration. Earlier this month, over a million citizens signed a petition demanding a referendum to remove the President, who last Friday declared a 60-days state of emergency in the Bolivarian Republic.
A forensic audit report into the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) has revealed that two companies with close links to the political opposition owe the state entity millions of dollars in fees. The report which was prepared by Ram and McRae , Chartered Accountants, noted that E-Networks Inc. and Quark Inc., “companies controlled by persons with a strong political connection to the PPP/C Administration”, were not invoiced on a timely basis and ignored the NFMU invoices for long periods of time without any follow up action by the NFMU. The auditors said that following their request, the NFMU estimated that fees owed by E-Networks Inc. and Quarks Inc. at December 31, 2014 amounted to $31 million and $29 million respectively. E-Networks is owned by Vishok Persaud. Quark Inc. is managed and controlled by Brian Yong. Both individuals benefitted generously from the arbitrarily granted frequency licenses under the Jagdeo regime. The forensic team stressed that these users should be billed and their outstanding debt resolved. Junior Finance Minister, Jaipaul Sharma, had spoken on this issue before the forensic audit report was released yesterday. Sharma had said that it was clear that the NFMU was giving “PPP’s big boys big waivers.” Minister Sharma continued, “There was just no proper management at this unit. There were instances where you could see that they just lost out on millions of dollars worth in fees that they should have ensured they collected. There were some defaulters as well, and the agency just took no action against them.” He added, “(NFMU) could have collected a lot more revenue. Instead (the entity) allowed a lot of favouritism to take place and as such they lost millions of dollars in revenue. They allowed their big PPP boys to slip under the radar while others were called upon to pay their dues. “In fact, they weren’t collecting from two of their PPP big boys for some time. It was a lot of unfairness that was going on at that agency.” Sharma said that the level of corruption which was taking place at the agency points to the incompetency of those who are managing it while reminding that the Head
Forensic Auditor, Chris Ram
Owner of E-Networks, Vishok Persaud
Owner of Quarks Inc. Brian Yong of the entity is Valmiki Singh. The Junior Finance Minister said that the revelations of some of the forensic audits thus far, vindicate the concerns the APNU+AFC had regarding the lack of accountability under the previous administration as well as the stench of corruption in some agencies.
Saturday May 21, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Nandlall law volume issue...
City Hall to meet with private ‘Ramotar agreed contractors to buy my books …over workers’ lack of sanitary cleaning gear
with public funds’ By Abena Rockcliffe- Campbell Former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, claims that he was being blackmailed by his successor, Basil Williams. He also says that the quantity of state funds utilized for his personal benefit is way more than was previously reported. Kaieteur News reported that former President Donald Ramotar admitted to Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, that he authorized the Ministry of Legal Affairs to stand expenses for Nandlall’s law books. However, the newspaper only knew about one set of books that were paid for by the state. But Nandlall has indicated that he received about four sets of law books per year for his well over three years in office. A few months ago, Williams asked the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary (PS), Indira Anandjit, to proceed on administrative leave to facilitate an audit into the disappearance of millions of dollars worth of law books and computer accessories. The Minister said that the missing Commonwealth Law Books are valued at almost $3M and the computer parts are estimated over $2M. On Thursday, Williams said that Ramotar told the auditor that he had a “private arrangement” with Nandlall for the State to pay for the books despite the fact that it was for his personal use. Yesterday, Nandlall said that it is more than what the media knows of. He said that he commenced subscribing to Lexis Nexis, (UK), publishers of The Commonwealth Law Reports, about 12 years ago. “The arrangement is that individual Law Reports are shipped to me in my name at my law office along with an invoice which is paid by me upon receipt of the Reports. In discussions which I had with His Excellency, President Donald Ramotar, immediately prior to my appointment as Attorney- General and Minister of Legal Affairs, I specifically requested, as a condition of my service, that the Government of Guyana take over payment arrangements for these books during my (Continued on page 29)
Workers engaged in the cleaning of City drains sometimes refuse equipment. Former AG, Anil Nandlall
Former President, Donald Ramotar
Attorney General, Basil Williams
An issue highlighted in the Freddie Kissoon Column of Wednesday’s edition was the fact that workers employed by City Hall in the overall clean-up of the Georgetown municipality, more often than not, lack the proper equipment and protection gear to deal with the unhealthy and deplorable working conditions. Mr. Kissoon in his column, noted that; “At Shiv Chanderpaul Drive and Robb Street, outside Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, a cleaning crew stopped me to complain about the heartless attitude of this galaxy of politicians who are more concerned with appearances than workers’ health.” He also indicated that the workers complained about gloves and disinfectant not being provided for them. This situation is quite worrying given the often atrocious state of the city’s drains and trenches. Public relations Officer (PRO) for the Mayor and City Council, Mrs. Debra Lewis when reached for comments on this situation, told
this newspaper that the cleaning crew that stopped Mr. Kissoon was not directly M&CC workers, but were in fact employed by a private contractor hired by City Hall. She said that all City Hall workers that are engaged in the cleaning of the streets, drains and trenches of Georgetown are provided with protective gear and the
requisite cleansing agents for health purposes during these cleaning exercises. Lewis said that the private contractors that City Hall hires to clean certain sections of the city are in charge of providing their workers with the necessary protective and sanitary gear for the tasks at hand. She added that while some contractors do provide
these gears, some do not. She also noted that some contractors have indicated that some of the workers decline to use the equipment provided. Mrs. Lewis told Kaieteur News that City Hall has planned to meet with these contractors in the near future to address the issue of workers not being provided with equipment.
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Saturday May 21, 2016
Kaieteur News
Stabroek Market to have civic space, parking meters - M&CC The Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is moving ahead to revamp sections of Central Georgetown. According to Public Relations Officer, (PRO) of City Hall, Debra Lewis, the council is currently in talks with stakeholders over plans to transform the area particularly the immediate surroundings of the Stabroek Market, which was once a minibus park, into a civic space. Lewis said that the plan is to beautify the central space in the city and to use it for the holding of public meetings and national events. She said that in keeping with its mandate, the council is already reviewing a sketch of the proposal to recreate and beautify the area in addition to finalizing arrangements to introduce parking meters. The PRO also shed light on the council’s strategy to relocate the minibus parks. She explained that the Municipal and District Councils Act, empowers the Georgetown Municipality to regulate and control the Council’s roads. According to Act, Council shall have power, subject to the provisions of the Town and Country Planning Act, the Road Act and the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act to construct, maintain, repair, protect and carry out works for the betterment of Council
roads in Council area and to regulate and control traffic thereon. Section 274 of the Municipal and District Council Act also states that the Council can “establish, maintain and control parking; erect and maintain parking meters; regulate the standing and parking of vehicles on Council roads; erect and maintain traffic control signals and traffic signs on council roads; regulate the speed of vehicles on council roads; designate particular council roads as one-way roads or one specified direction; require vehicles to stop before entering or crossing any council road or to yield to other traffic; and also restrict the use of any council roads to vehicles of specified type or weights”. Lewis said that the council would most likely relocate the minibus parking facilities to Kingston North/ Cummingsburg, and Ruimveldt, Georgetown. These spaces, she said, however will not facilitate all the minibuses or public transportation, only those plying the out of town routes such as Berbice and Linden. While she did not disclose the number, the PRO admitted that the exercise is certainly costing the council millions of dollars. The Georgetown M&CC has been making efforts to clear the Stabroek
Market and surrounding areas of congestion caused by illegal vending and similar activities. Hundreds of vendors have since been relocated to temporary spaces designated by the council. But there have been concerns about the council’s planning as it relates to relocation of the vendors and other fixtures. On Sunday, Town Clerk Royston King spearheaded the relocation of more than 60 street barbers and cosmetologists from America, Longden, Croal and Regent Streets to a
section of Merriman Mall. The move is also said to be temporary. But King noted that it is important that cosmetologists and barbers ply their trade in an environment that does not compromise the Laws of the City and the health of other citizens. According to King, cosmetologists and barbers should not operate in close proximity to food service providers. He reiterated that the Council is not trying to move anyone from the hub of economic activities, but the city is very congested. “Blocking
The Stabroek Market area which is to be transformed
the entrances to private premises and cutting hair on the streets is a health situation” King had said. It was against this background, he said, that he identified a section on the Merriman Mall for the barbers and cosmetologists to do their work. The Georgetown Municipality had expressed serious concern with the operations of roadside barbers and cosmetologists. From a Public Health perspective the operation is unsafe. In addition, it is a con-
travention of the Municipal and District Council (Act 28:01). Part II Provisions Relating to Barbers’ Shop: states that no person shall act as a barber in or upon any public street or way or at any place within public view other than at a duly registered barber’s shop.” Before a barber can commence operations he must be registered with the Mayor and City Council. The registration process includes a medical examination by the Council’s Medical Officer of Health, who will provide a medical certificate to the applicant deeming the applicant fit to carry out such an operation. And according to the Town Clerk, “I urge you to carry out your work within the ambit of the law.”
Saturday May 21, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Ministry launches “Jubilee Edition” TIP prevention materials Umbrellas, coasters, key rings, hand bands, leaflets, among other items, were introduced as part of the Ministry of Social Protection’s ‘Jubilee Edition’ of the Trafficking in Persons Educational Materials’. Officially launching the ‘Jubilee Edition’ to coincide with Guyana’s ongoing 50th Independence celebration was Director of Social Services of the Ministry, Mr. Whentworth Tanner, during a ceremony at the Cornhill Street, Stabroek, Georgetown location of the Ministry. He observed that “just like all silent crimes, human trafficking go significantly under reported. We have this issue with our child abuse that we try to combat every day; we have the issue with domestic violence that we work on tirelessly here at the Ministry.” But as it pertains to human trafficking, he asserted that “we intend to keep this as a front-burner issue and in keeping with that we have decided today and moving forward to have paraphernalia and other items to keep persons informed and up to speed with the Ministry’s effort.” The intent, he noted, is to ensure that persons are constantly reminded of their re-
sponsibility to help the Ministry’s efforts to help the people who are trafficked or are victims of all forms of abuse. “The effects go far beyond the point where they are abused but it can continue to affect their lives moving forward,” said Tanner as he stressed the need to distribute materials to remind Guyanese, in particular, of the scourge of human trafficking and to partner with the Ministry to continue to fight the TIP battle. According to Police Officer, Ms. Reneta McBean, who is attached to the Ministry’s TIP Unit, selecting the materials was a very careful process. She explained that the umbrella symbolises protection by the Ministry, the Police Force and the Court of Law for existing TIP victims and others who, because of their circumstances, will be made vulnerable to human trafficking. “The natural umbrella is used to shield from the vagaries of nature, and in the same manner, symbolically we want to remind Guyanese that they have a friend in the Ministry and its agencies that will stand with them when manmade troubles confront them,” said McBean.
She added that coasters, as one of the available materials, would be used by patrons who frequent bars to rest their glasses or bottles to prevent water vapour from soiling where the glasses are placed. According to McBean, coasters like umbrellas, also represent protective measures. “From a business person’s perspective, coasters protect something valuable and precious from harm and damage. The Ministry treasures the people of this country and will traverse every Region to extract human traffickers from normal society to protect the nation,” added the officer. Part of the ‘Jubilee Edition’ are key rings and, according to McBean, “it is not by accident that we have not given out keys because the people are the key to their destiny...We are giving key rings because we want to be connected to the keys – the people who are the real authority and have first-hand knowledge of the evils of human trafficking,” said the officer. And then the hand bands, she added, are a symbol of power and industriousness. According to her, the hand band symbolises a bond
Drug smuggler jailed, fined for cocaine in milk packages A welder who attempted to smuggle cocaine with a street value of $5.5M inside large Kerrygold Milk packages was yesterday given a fine and sentenced to serve four years in prison. Safraz Jallalodeen,30, who was caught trying to smuggle over 6.048kg of cocaine while he was an outgoing passenger at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) was fined $16.3M together with the four-year sentence after he pleaded guilty before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan to trafficking the drugs. The Court heard that Jallalodeen of 14 Riverview, Ruimveldt, Georgetown was promised US$7000 to deliver the drugs to the States. Prosecutor Konyo Sandiford-Thompson told the court that Jallalodeen is a welder. On May 19, last, he checked in as a passenger of Caribbean Airlines and was scheduled to travel on flight BW526 destined for JFK International Airport. Until he was halted by ranks from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) attached to the airport. The prosecutor said that the ranks acted on information received and conducted a search on two of his suitcases. During this search, the prosecutor said that both of them were found to contain what appeared to be large Kerrygold Full Cream Milk packages. Through examination it was revealed that the whitish- powdery substance was not milk but cocaine. The prosecutor said Jallalodeen was subsequently told of the offence he had committed and he was cautioned. “While under caution the defendant made several oral statements that he was given the drugs to take to the United States and would be given US$7000 to do same,” the prosecutor said. Throughout the night the prosecutor said investigations were conducted and he was subsequently charged for the offence. She added that the defendant gave
Safraz Jallalodeen
lengthy statements to assist the investigations and she therefore asked that the court consider this factor for mitigation during the verdict. The court was adjourned for 15 minutes until the prosecutor obtained the document containing the street market value of the drugs. Chief Magistrate fined him three times the market value.
Officials of the Ministry examine the ‘Jubilee Edition’ materials of protection and a peaceful life. “It reflects the joining of people and entities in the protection of the vulnerable. Anyway you look at it our intention is singular. We are here to protect the people of Guyana,” said McBean. Also speaking at yesterday’s forum was Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr.
Mohan Adrian Ramrattan. According to him, millions worldwide and thousands in Guyana are affected – directly and indirectly by the scourge of human trafficking. “TIP is a modern day evil. This is a new form of slavery (that) violates the sacred dignity of human-beings by snatching from them their ab-
solute freedom of choice.” He, moreover, insisted that the Ministry will continue to be aggressive in its efforts to prevent trafficking, to prosecute traffickers and to protect the human rights of all duped by unscrupulous strangers and unprincipled family members who traffic victims.
Agricola 50th Independence... From page 3 fitting to let the public know just when they are entering the famous Garden City.'’ “Though it is not on the original site, this arch commemorates the same values that those men and women before us had celebrated: perseverance, hard work, and a bright future, and it is important that our people are reminded of what many fought and died for 50 years ago.” He added that the construction of a second Arch is earmarked to pinpoint the Southern Boundary of Georgetown; he then went on to thank the members of the Ministry's Work Services Group (WSG), Errol Cush Construction and the Dutch company VHS United, for fabricating and constructing what he called a “beautiful structure.” “Our country's thanks cannot be understated. Today, I urge everyone here and everyone else who will see this monument to remember all our country has accomplished in its fifty years.” President Granger, who delivered the keynote address, gave a brief history of the city. Georgetown was named by the British after the then English Regent Prince George who went on to rule as King George IV. He stated that it was the English that united the three counties of Demerara, Essequibo and Berbice to form British Guiana. His Excellency noted that more importantly Georgetown is “today becoming a clean city, a green city and a serene and safe city once again.” He noted that sanitation and cleaning of drains around
Georgetown are top priority to reduce the risk of air borne vector diseases like Malaria, Chikungunya, and Filaria. “Every visitor, every vendor, every taxi driver, every shopkeeper and every citizen must share the responsibility to keep this city clean and sanitary.” He said that Georgetown must once again become a “safe city, citizens should not have to shut themselves in their homes on weekends, afraid to venture forth because of unlit streets.” He pointed out that “safety and security are essential to enjoying the good life.” President Granger continued that Georgetown must be “an ordered city,” he also indicated that Georgetown is an important asset to Guyana. “Our capital city was mired in political mud for nearly twenty years,” he continued; “Our city must never suffer such neglect again, no matter which party is in office again.”
Speaking about the 50th Independence Arch he noted, “This arch serves as a prominent landmark illuminating the southern entrance, into and out of our national capital.” He added that the arch was not unique as citizens built several arches across the country to celebrate independence in 1966. Agricola, Corentyne, Bartica, Bagotville, Leonora, New Amsterdam, Lusignan, Ruimveldt and a few other places were listed by the President as having arches in those days. President Granger closed by quoting from the Bible stating that “a city should be built with the bricks of peace and bounded with the mortar of prosperity.” He thanked Banks DIH, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the Ministry of Education. “I take great pleasure now, in inaugurating Guyana's 50th Anniversary Independence Arch and I thank you all for it.”
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Minister Patterson reveals plans for East Bank Demerara Roads During his speech at the unveiling of Guyana’s 50th Independence Arch at Georgetown’s southern entrance; Agricola, Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson said that while the arch is “just the beginning of the upgrades slated for the East Bank of Demerara,” there is more to come. He said that the Ministry of Public Infrastructure is in its closing stages of the East Bank Demerara Four-Lane Expansion Project. He said that “two contractors are working on the section of road between Providence and Herstelling.” He identified the end of August this year, as a tentative completion date. Minister Patterson said, “Not only will the road expansion reduce vehicular operating costs, significantly cut down on travel time, and allow for a smoother flow of traffic, but it is also expected to reduce accidents seen along the East Bank.” He noted that safety will improve along the East Bank Demerara corridor as a result of the installation of traffic lights, streetlights, and road markings and signs. ”Another significant upgrade will be the creation of three pedestrian overpasses and a fly- over at Diamond. Each month, the Guyana Police Force, through its traffic statistics indicate that pedestrians are the most affected by fatal accidents on our roadways. Saving even a single life is important. The pedestrian overhead crossings will be located at the Harbour Bridge intersection at Peter’s Hall; Eccles; and Houston. “These sites were chosen following studies which showed that these three areas have the most pedestrian movement.” Patterson also discussed the proposed vehicular overhead crossings at Diamond. He
stated that “this will be located at the intersection of the East Bank Road and Diamond. Diamond is the biggest housing scheme in our country and it is only expected to grow. The community is also one that suffers from serious traffic congestion so the overhead crossing will be a relief. We expect that the overhead crossing will significantly reduce accidents; save on travel time for those from Diamond; and also precipitate a free flow of traffic at the proposed site.” ”Another MPI initiative, known as the Sustainable Urban Transportation Study, is also expected to improve mobility in and around Georgetown. This study will focus on conducting a comprehensive analysis to improve mobility and will cover the entire city of Georgetown, which consists of areas that contain a complex interaction of land uses and activities. “The study will also provide specific recommendations and policy options to allocate road space more efficiently among users and will increase the use of cleaner and more sustainable transportation, such as public transportation and non-motorized modes.” He concluded; “It is important that we look at ways to diagnose the urban transport situation. We all are aware of the problems and trends and the Government of Guyana believes that it is high time that we deal with matters of public transport infrastructure, operations, financing, and institutional organization. “The Sustainable Urban Transportation Study will support the design of a public transport system to provide users with a safe, efficient, clean, and affordable service.” He indicated that this is due to start next month “following the no-objection from The Inter-American Development Bank.”
City Hall knows no order... From page 18 status of the "Dread Shop", the Council would have taken that fact into consideration in determining whether to remove the otherwise illegal structure,” the release said adding that the Council undertakes to investigate this issue thoroughly and will issue a subsequent statement at a future date when it is seized of more information. Recently, the Georgetown M&CC has been clearing the city of a number of illegal structures. The council has removed hundreds of vendors from Water Street and surrounding Stabroek Market areas but relocated them to spots on Merriman's Mall and an empty lot on Hadfield Street
Saturday May 21, 2016
Kaieteur News
Georgetown. Town Clerk Royston King had promised to remove all illegal structures in the way of the Council. But even as the demolition continues a number business persons are contending that City Hall's action has implications in the court which were filed in an effort to prevent the demolition of the structures. Abiola Fung, of Island Snackette, owned by Elva Hawker, is among those sharing the same fate. Fung said that the building which shares the plot of land as “Dread Shop.” Fung said the business has been in her family for more than four decades. She explained that her mother was
granted permission to elect a building to conduct building a number of years ago. A few years ago the business became embroiled in a matter engaging the attention of the court. The woman explained that her mother had approached the Court to challenge the then Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn's decision to demolish the structure which accommodated the food snackette. She said that City Hall was made aware of the court matter but despite this council is considering tearing down her snackette next. The concerned mother of three is currently in talks with her lawyers on the issue.
Eastern Airlines service officially launched
From left President Travelspan and CEO of Eastern Airlines Edward J. Wegel. Eastern Airlines Service was officially launched in Guyana yesterday. Following an inaugural flight that landed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, a cocktail reception was hosted at the Marriott Hotel Guyana. Eastern Airlines One Guyana Air was recently granted approval by the United States Department of Transportation and the Government of Guyana for flights to New York and to Miami. The airline service is expected to operate through Travelspan and other travel companies with twice weekly flight service giving
Guyanese in Florida and other US states an additional option in air travel to Guyana for the Golden Jubilee Independence celebrations on May 26. The service will continue from July 1 through September 11, 2016. Due to the overwhelming demand for passenger air transport to Guyana for the 50th Independence anniversary celebrations, the airline is also expected to collaborate with other travel companies, to meet the demand of the travelling public who are excited to be a part of this historic occasion or just visiting family and friends.
Public Security Ministry... From page 3 opinions that the event is a celebratory one so I am going to call upon Cabinet to help me in deciding on whether we are going to relax it or not. It is going to be considered there.” In the end the decision was taken to extend the curfew. “It is a time for celebration and knowing the Guyanese spirit, the Ministry has seen the need for this relaxation. The period during which the 2 a.m. deadline will be ex-
tended to 4 a.m. is from Friday, May 20 to Monday, May 30, 2016,” the Public Security Ministry stated in a press release yesterday. The Ministry, however, cautioned businesses and individuals that the Guyana Police Force will continue to investigate and prosecute noise nuisance reports, drinking and driving, and other offences during this period. “The Ministry takes this opportunity to wish the citizens of Guyana an enjoyable
Jubilee Celebration and urge everyone to be particularly safety-conscious during this busy season, especially on the roadways.” When the 2:00 am curfew was first implemented last year July, it sparked an intense debate. Even the Private Sector Commission (PSC) had spoken out against it. The Commission said that the curfew for nightclubs over the past few months seems to have taken such a toll on the sustainability of businesses within the entertainment industry and called for a revision of the imposition. It wanted the curfew to be extended to 4: 00am. The PSC said it observed and received reports from its membership that the enforcement of the 2:00 am curfew closure for bars and night clubs is having a significant negative impact to such an extent that some are faced with the threat of closure and downsizing as a result of this decision. It said that it is also concerned that this could have a long term negative impact on the country's developing Tourism Industry.
Saturday May 21, 2016
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Kaieteur News
CCTV cameras lead to 87 arrests
One of the CCTV cameras on the Avenue of the Republic
‘Ramotar agreed to buy my books with... From page 13 tenure as a Minister.” Nandlall said that this was agreed upon as a condition of his service as AttorneyGeneral and Minister of Legal Affairs. He said that he collected about four volumes a year. This benefit came in addition to his almost $2M salary, chauffeur, State vehicle, and paid utility bills. Nandlall said that when he demitted office, he so informed Lexis Nexis and requested that the payment arrangement which existed hitherto be re-activated. Mounting a defence for the arrangement, Nandlall said that he is aware that for decades prior, the Government of Guyana, like other government, through its various agencies, pay for professional and technical publications, journals, periodicals, magazines, etc. for Ministers and professional and technical personnel, as a standard operational expenditure. “Membership and subscription fees to professional bodies, locally and internationally, are also sometimes paid.” He added that when he formally handed over to Williams, he fully briefed him on this matter. “I do not recall him raising any objections whatsoever. A few months later, when I read in the press that an investigation is being launched into, inter alia, these very books, I enquired of the Attorney-General the reason for this investigation. I reminded him that I had earlier fully briefed him on this matter. His response was that I should stay out of this matter and
that this is a matter between him and the Permanent Secretary.” Nandlall said that during the course of the investigation, he was asked by the Auditor- General to furnish a response in respect of the said books. “I did so in writing. Former President, Donald Ramotar, wrote a letter confirming the particular condition of my contract for service in respect of these books. In those circumstances, the Auditor General made no adverse finding against me or the Permanent Secretary. This seemed to have enraged the Attorney- General and he enquired of me why I defended the Permanent Secretary. It became more than obvious that the removal of the Permanent Secretary was his ultimate objective and that my intervention was an obstacle. “However, I felt compelled to defend an innocent professional woman who was, obviously, the victim of a political vendetta. For this, I offer no regret.” Nandlall said that on several occasions over the past five months, Williams, both in jest and seriousness, indicated “that if I continue to criticize him, publicly, he will make the issue of these books, public, obviously, in an attempt to embarrass me. Unfazed by such infantile intimidation, on each occasion, I told him to proceed, since I will never compromise my duty to the people of Guyana to criticize and expose executive conduct which warrant criticisms and exposure.” Nandlall said that the disclosure by the Attorney General has come upon the heels
of his statement in the press in response to GECOM’s Press Release on the legal position in respect of the local authority organs where they have been tied seats. “My statement was published in the press on May 19, 2016, the very day that Attorney General made his disclosures. My response must have, proverbially, broke the camel’s back. However, my silence on matters of public importance can never be purchased, whatever maybe the price.” Williams had told the media that the Auditor General took a long time to respond to the Ministry. “In fact I had to inquire.” He said that, eventually, Sharma reported that “in the case of the law books, the former President Ramotar wrote the Auditor General’s office, and stated that he and the then Attorney General had some sort of private agreement that the Attorney General would spend money from the votes of (money budgeted for) the Ministry of Legal Affairs to buy the law books and keep them for himself.” Williams said, “As I understand it, he (Ramotar) is saying that (the PS) is not
culpable or blameworthy, because he had an agreement with Nandlall – that Nandlall could use the Ministry’s money to buy these books and keep them for himself.” Williams said that he still cannot understand why a former President would write admitting that he was in breach of financial regulations. The Attorney General said that Ramotar is probably depending on his presidential immunity for protection from being hauled before the courts. “But I say this… it is criminal.” Williams emphasised that he does not accept the excuse given by Sharma.” We do not accept that the former President could have an agreement with Nandlall to spend the state’s money for personal benefit. I do not know if being a former president he believes he has immunity. ”It is one of the strangest things you would find in any part of the world, that an agreement could be made between two government officials to spend taxpayers’ money for private purposes.” In the interim, Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator, Melissa Tucker, continues to act as the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary.
Police have charged 87 drivers for running red lights in and around the city for the year so far. Surprisingly, what many people are learning is that the drivers were nabbed after their “unlawful act” was recorded on closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras located in the city, on the East Bank Demerara and in certain parts on the East Coast Demerara. This was disclosed by Acting Traffic Chief, Superintendent Boodnarine
Persaud, during an interview Thursday. There were 328 offences. Supt Persaud said that once someone has been caught violating the traffic signals or breaking any of the traffic laws, the police will first try to locate that person and the footage will be played before them. While most of the drivers would own up to their crimes, the acting Traffic Chief said that there are some drivers who would deny being the driver at that time—if this is the case, then contact will be made with the owner of the vehicle and the police will then try to locate the driver. This newspaper was told that the cameras are being monitored by police on a daily basis at police headquarters, Eve Leary. “We have a special task force set up to deal with CCTV at Traffic headquarters. We get a disc with the footage here and when we locate the drivers, we bring them and play the footage for them,” Persaud noted. He said that the CCTV has been very helpful to the Traffic Department. Kaieteur News understands that there are some 40 sites around the city with about three or four active cameras at each site. The cameras were erected to combat criminal activity. Last year, the police charged more than 700 persons for breach of traffic light control in several areas.
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Saturday May 21, 2016
Kaieteur News
Captain to ply from Georgetown to BarticaContact 650-0402 \ 260-4124 Female to work in food van. Call: 689-4339; 611-5013 1 General domestic age 28-45 with cooking experienced. Call: 614-4358 One domestic must know to cook, 1 cleaner and 1 experienced waitress $70,000-$80,000 monthly. Call: 610-5043 (all live in)
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VEHICLE FOR SALE
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CAR RENTAL
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1 Model M Truck, gym & salon equipment, 1 cash register, 3 TV sets (all used). Call: 622-4386; 696-4397 Roxie’s Fashion Independence custom made clothing: costume, spandex, metallic & plain, leotard & tights. Call: 227-8538; 6964397; 622-4386 Roxie’s Fashion has on sale flags (coloured), Independence casual wear dresses @ 301 Church St. Call: 227-8538; 622-4386
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 CAKES & PASTRIES Courses in cake decoration, pastry making & cookery; also edible images and Wedding dresses for sale. Call: 670-0798 (Continued on page 31)
Saturday May 21, 2016
PAGE 31
Kaieteur News
In support of Simona Broomes DEAR EDITOR; So a decent successful gold miner for over quarter of a century decides to take up the cause of the abused and oppressed women in the mining industry. For this, she was ostracized and arrested in this our country of Guyana. She came to prominence through the diligence of the United States of America. She joined forces with the then opposition and campaigned for a change in government, promising the people of Guyana that they would work to make a difference and better Guyana. She was appointed minister within the Labor Department, and in six months, the poor and the needy, and the oppressed workers found no better advocate; no not for the past 23 years if not longer. They rejoiced for the change in government and this Minister whom God had sent to help them. Many a testimonies were made at the Ministry of Labor by these grateful citizens of Guyana as we witnessed daily in the papers. And so powerful people, in powerful places, with powerful interests who could no longer treat the Guyanese workers with contempt if not as slaves, conspired to have her removed from Labor. This Labor ministry has now returned to hibernation since her departure, but I digress. Nevertheless, the President, trying to appease the powerful and not offend the populace transferred her to the Ministry of Natural Resources where her experience, he said, would be an asset to the government. It is this experience that is now to the source of controversy; this huge conflict of Interest. As we are now told that because she was a gold miner all her adult life she should not be the Minister within the Ministry of Natural Re-
sources which is in charge of gold mining. And the heart surgeon for twenty five years should no longer perform heart surgery, while the musician all his life should stop singing his tune. Ha ha, what nonsense? Laughable! “Oh what a tangled web we weave, when we plot to deceive. And yet, she has been quietly toiling within the Ministry of Natural Resources,” correcting the injustices of many small miners who had, and continue to have their rights and properties taken from them by the well connected and the wealthy through the corrupt at GGMC, especially in the Land Management Unit. And so my fellow Guyanese, here we are. Should a minister who abides by the law, help the poor and needy, and does not take a reward to pervert justice be sidelined? Yes, this is the Guyana that was ruled by one party for 23 years including 10 years by a quasi dictator. Who did as they pleased, and abused who they pleased, and destroyed who they pleased, and took what they pleased and nobody dared say a word, who are now the righteous Judges. They are now leading the charge with their comrades with whom they shared the assets of Guyana exclusively amongst each other. But again, I digress. Now this minister who defends the cause of the poor and needy against the rich and powerful is forced to defend herself from these vultures. Again she is cast into the spotlight. They will not cease trying to have her removed from office. She went as far as giving up her assets to her kids, but it is not enough. What must she do next? Let the people of Guyana answer that one. Interested citizen (name supplied)
LAND FOR SALE
High value transported land, Greater Diamond, E.B.D $7.5M negotiable. Call: 6847234 Bartica (corner lot) $2.8M; Eccles -$5.5M, Herstelling (corner lot) -$3M, La Parfaite$1.3M & $2M. Call: 611-7223; 604-2207 1 Land for sale @ Yarrowkabra -$10M- Call: 621-9759 Land @ Gated Community (front). Call: 644-8174
spawned, through official neglect or involvement, and the law of unintended consequences, the mayhem prevalent today. Many may argue that it is not so unintended. So where are we? The entire nation is under assault, thanks to the machinations of different political powers at different times, which have brought all to this dangerous pass. The techniques, tools, and participants on the ground might be new, but the political generalship is as old as the republic, with precedents and superseding developments bringing weakness and vulnerability. This is the bloody evolution of the lethal whirlwind harnessed, sowed, and channeled in political era after political era. And now it is harvest time. Once again! The violence is killing confidence and initiative, and with those citizens, too; there are no innocents, only victims. Last, there is little by way of discrimination, only the stalking selectivity of bull’s eyes on the haves and the have-nots. GHK Lall
the curricula of the University of Guyana. Many North American and British Universities have faculties for Asian Studies. Training and licensing pandits in rituals will not solve the wider issues of family, moral and ethical dysfunction that seem to have been the issue of the manner in which the subject building was used and the wanton multiplicity of liquor shops in the land. What is needed is not the control of people through ritu-
alism, but the spiritual upliftment of the masses through education in their religious scriptures. May I inquire how many Hindus, particularly the Pandits, would have read any of the Upanishads? But some perhaps know a bit of the Garuda Purana to make Hinduism and its rituals fearsome. As an end note, some years ago in a Sanskrit introductory course (taught by a white man) I met a young white American. I asked him
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Female secretary must be 2535yrs, computer literate & at least Grade 2 in English. Call: 643-4049 Evening cashiers, porters. Apply at Survival, 16 Vlissengen Road & Duncan St., with application and passport size photo. Office clerk (senior/junior) with CXC English/ Mathematics & computer knowledge an asset. Call: 2237500 One caterpillar mechanic to work in the interior-Call: 2235273/4 Real Estate staff must be able to ride. Contact GME Realty: gmerealestate@outlook.com Roxi’s Fashion has vacancy for 1 seamstress & 1 sewing machine operator. Apply @ 301 Church St. Call: 227-8538; 622-4386
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How prevalent is this un-Hindu... From page 5 pawn of soup drinking power hungry few. I remember two of these. Every time they visited villages they created more conflict than harmony. Dr. Somnath Mohabir wrote recently of the Death of Taan Singing because of the loss of the language. Language and educated messages are the first steps in change instead of rituals Instead of thinking of licensing and controlling Pandits we should be making attempts to have Hinduism on
PROPERTY FOR SALE VACANCY Cashiers for supermarketCall: 624-0033. 1 Cook & 1 maid. Call: 624-0033. Security In store (daytime) –Call: 6803863.Driver for water truck. Call: 680-3863
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Guyana is under assault... From page 4 into perception and perception into settled unyielding truth. Soon enough, the progression went from phantom squad(s) to a oneman killing machine nicknamed ‘Fineman.’ There were others. Everything under the sun, including the Lusignan Massacre (13 butchered, including babies) was pinned and the now departed Fineman. I seek leave to differ. From all appearances, some old killing machines are still on the loose and new ones poised. The guilt of dead stone killers might be in doubt; but there is absolutely no doubt as to the presence of an immeasurable quantity of sophisticated weaponry in the wrong hands; and that criminals have benefited from a once largely absentee police force, a collaborating justice apparatus, and a porous prison system. Meanwhile, the defensive political proclamations ranged from the nebulousness of ‘isolated gangs’ to the sturdiness of ‘a few rogue cops.’ Clearly, the reality has proven to be everything to the contrary. It is what has
From page 30
Tuschen -$1.2M, Zeelugt $1.2M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.2M, Herstelling –$5M. (All prices negotiable). Call: 642-1252
what he was doing in such a class. His story is: From a devout Catholic family, a failed marriage and an alcoholic thereafter until he picked up in a bookstore ‘The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali.’ He said he does not understand anything of the Hindu Gods and rituals, but through his new found book, he is a changed working man transformed his long distance truck rest compartment into a meditation sanctuary. Ram Budhu New York NY
Bond clerk, security officer, office assistant, cooks, tractor drivers, cashiers/waitress, accounts clerk, civil engineer. Call: 603-4541/ chungsvacancy@gmail.com Exist for cashiers/sales clerk. Apply in person with written application to Nirva Supermarket. Call: 227-5771 Exist for 1 nail technician with knowledge of facials, pedicure & massage. Call: 696-7337 for details. PROPERTY FOR SALE One roadside, 2 storey building @ V/Hoop, ground excellent for restaurant or other business –Call: 6540779 4 Bedroom property @ Enterprise, 3 bathrooms, 2 garage, pressurized system, overhead tanker, generator, etc. Call: 600-6195
Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities -$41M –Call: 6629335; 612-3244 Transported property @ Grove $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 Vreed-en-Hoop -$45M, Anna Catherina -$9.5M, $12.5, Boreseree -$6.5M, Uitvlugt $4.5M, Tuschen -$4.5M. Call: 642-1252 Prime Business spot @ Anna Catherina, Public Road. Call: 667-2536; 628-0016 Property @ Cummings Street; 4 storey building, club, 8 self contain rooms. Call: 628-0016; 667-2536 Transported property, prime, furnished liquor restaurant & bar, 2 freezers, 1 pools table, double lot @ E.C.D- $24.5M neg. Call: 600-7228 House for sale @ West Ruimveldt, South Ruimveldt. Call: 662-4975 House for sale: 2 storey wood & concrete in Enterprise, owner leaving. For more information call: 692-0335; 229-6078 House and land @ Diamond, La Parfaite Harmonie, Tuschen etc. Contact Pacific Development Inc: 223-6035 Property @ Enmore – Hope West: building overlooking Foulis. Call: 602-2818; 6491434 Tuschen: 2 storey concrete building; Tain: 2 Storey wooden & concrete building, price negotiable. Call: 2319690; 231-9693 between 8:00hrs-16:00hrs, Mon-Fri. Corner property in Grove, 1 block from Main Road- Flat House, price negotiable. Call: 1905-626-2572 1-3 Storey wooden concrete building @ Mc Doom Public Road, next to Gas Station serious offers only. No Agents: 699-4486 Need help acquiring a home then contact Pacific Development Inc. “Making Dreams Realty”. Call: 223-6035 One front house and one 2 storey back house for sale @ 180 Charlotte Street Bourda. Call: 226-5183; 227-6817; 6247341
PAGE 32
Kaieteur News
Saturday May 21, 2016
Saturday May 21 2016
CCJ ruling on Ramsahoye/ KN libel appeal soon The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) is expected to make a ruling on the appeal case filed by Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall against a ruling in favour of Dr. Walter Ramsahoye, soon. The matter was heard on Monday at the CCJ. Ramsahoye had complained he was libeled in three publications in Kaieteur News in January and February 2000 when the newspaper was a weekly publication. The High Court had awarded damages for libel in the sum of $4.5 M to Ramsahoye. Dr. Ramsahoye appealed the High Court award and by a majority decision the Guyana Court of Appeal awarded Ramsahoye a total of $15 M in damages and costs. Both sides subsequently appealed the decision of the Guyana Court of Appeal. Kaieteur News appealed the sum awarded by the Court of Appeal while Ramsahoye sought $400 million worth in damages for the alleged defamation. In the CCJ Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall is being represented by Attorney – at – Law, Sanjeev Datadin and Stephen Singh. Dr. Ramsahoye being represented by several lawyers lead by Anand Ramlogan QC.
PAGE 33
Kaieteur News
Forensic audit report reveals…
NFMU secretly funded E-Governance Project By: Kiana A. Wilburg
Dr .Walter Ramsahoye
Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall
On Monday, the CCJ submissions by Datadin alleged the majority of the Guyana Court of Appeal was incorrect to increase the award of damages as there was no evidence upon which such an increase could be legally justified. Datadin went on further to say that there was no evidence on the record that Ramsahoye had suffered loss and damages of the specie that must be established for the Court of Appeal to increase the award of damages. He said that the Trial Court had considered all the relevant issues and arguments and had made its decision on appropriate findings and relevant law and the majority of Guyana Court of Appeal erred when it interfered with the High Court decision.
Towards the end of the hearing of submissions by Datadin, Ramsahoye who was seeking $400million in damages for the libel withdrew the claim without offering a single argument. Earlier before the substantive appeal began the CCJ refused an application to introduce a publication of the column “Dem boys seh” into the record of the proceedings. Datadin had opposed its introduction because it was evidence that was available before the hearing of the appeal and was not raised in the Guyana Court of Appeal. The CCJ therefore agreed that the additional material should not be introduced into the record of proceedings. The CCJ has adjourned the matter to consider its decision which is expected within weeks.
A forensic audit into the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) has exposed just how “cunningly” officials there were able to hide the fact that they were secretly funding two Jagdeoinspired projects. The forensic auditors from Ram and McRae, Chartered Accountants, made this eye-opening discovery as they scrutinized the budget of the NFMU. The NFMU appears in Guyana’s National Budget as a statutory body under the formerly named Office of the President. The expenditure that NFMU would need to carry out its operations for the year is also listed in the National Budget. The Forensic auditors however found it strange that the single largest line item in the NFMU’s budget is Rates and Taxes and Subvention to Local Authorities. In fact, the auditors observed, too, that NFMU is the only statutory body whose budget is included in the National Budget that has such an item. Upon analysis, the forensic auditors were able to discover that this item, “Rates and Taxes and Subvention to Local Authorities” is nothing
East Canje foreman to stand trial for attempted murder of son An East Canje man who threw methylated spirits on his son and set him ablaze, has been committed to stand trial during the next sitting of the criminal assizes of the Berbice High Court on a charge of attempted murder. The man Ravendra Samaroo, 34, of Lot 133 Gangaram, East Canje, a field foreman attached to the Rose Hall Estate had first appeared in the Reliance Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Marissa Mittleholzer. He is alleged to have committed the act on Thursday May 7, last on his son Ricky Samaroo, 11. Prosecutor Sergeant Orin Joseph revealed that the man and his son lived alone at the above address. Around 22:50 hrs on the day in question the two were at home where the elder Samaroo was drinking. The man subsequently attempted to go out to purchase more alcoholic bev-
erages. However he was stopped by his son who was afraid to remain at home alone. The man insisted in going and his son held on to his boots. As a result the man got hold of some methylated spir-
its and threw it about the c h i l d ’s b o d y t h e n l i t a match. This caused burns to the lower part of the boy’s b o d y, f a c e , b a c k a n d c h est. The child was rushed to the New Amsterdam Hos-
pital where he was admitted for emergency treatment before being transferred to the Georgetown hospital where he was admitted for further treatment. The father was arrested and charged.
Carpenter charged for murder over food row
A carpenter who police say fatally stabbed another man during a food r o w, was yesterday charged with murder when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. The accused Mark Anthony Barclay, 37, of Lot 38 Houston Back Street, East Bank Demerara stood in handcuffs in the prisoner’s docks to face an indictable charge of murder. The charge read by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan stated that the accused murdered Gordon Ross on April 30, last, at John and Hadfield Streets, Werk-en-Rust. Barclay who told the court that he does wood
Anthony Barclay work for a living was unrepresented by a legal at-
torney. Prosecutor Neville Jeffers told the court that the file was currently incomplete since the post mortem report was still outstanding. His matter was adjourned until June 13th for report. According to reports, in the wee of hours of the morning around 01:40 hrs Barclay and the deceased had a fight over food where Ross was reportedly later found with stab wounds about his body. He was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he died while receiving treatment.
…APNU/AFC administration repeated act in 2015 budget
Forensic Auditor from Ram and McRae, Chris Ram but a disguise to make payments from public funds to the E-Governance initiative and the One Laptop Per Family project. They stressed that there is no way that a project can by any definition be classified as a Local Authority. The auditors said that this represents a violation of Article 217 of the Constitution of Guyana. The Ram and McRae team also found it interesting that this violation does not appear to have engaged the attention of the country’s Auditor General, Deodat Sharma who is expected to be a diligent observer of how funds are used by state agencies. What was also surprising to the auditors was that a review of the 2015 National Budget exposed that the APNU/AFC administration continued the common practice of including the expenditure of other entities under Rates and Taxes and Subventions to other entities within the budget of the NFMU. In fact, the auditors discovered that a total of $538 million was included in the 2015 Budget for the NFMU under the category in discussion, as compared to $443 million that was included in the 2014 Budget which was presented under the PPP administration. The forensic auditors recommended that no additional funds be budgeted under the above stated category. Junior Finance Minister, Jaipaul Sharma, had told Kaieteur News that he was appalled when he discovered during the initial stages of the forensic audit that “almost 90 percent of the funds of the Frequency Management Unit dating back to 2012, 2013 and 2014 were spent on two projects that had absolutely nothing to do with the agency.” Sharma said that he found NFMU’s investment into
NFMU Head, Valmiki Singh PPP’s E-Governance Project which involved the failed Fibre Optic Cable from Brazil and the One Laptop project to be “very strange and downright deceitful.” The fibre optic cable which was started in 2011 under former President Bharrat Jagdeo was intended to bring another source of internet connectivity to Guyana. It should have been completed by 2013, but turned out to be a major embarrassment for the previous administration, after it faced delays due to damage and other technical issues. It was part of a bigger initiative to advance Guyana’s e-governance drive and equip 90,000 poor families with laptops and link state agencies into an efficient internet site. The One Laptop Per Family and the E-Governance projects along with the Brazilian fibre optic cable initiative, reportedly cost taxpayers in excess of US$70M. “It is unbelievable that (the NFMU) were hiding expenditure on these projects. It goes to show the kind of financial lawlessness that was allowed to take place at these agencies. I just don’t understand how monies could be spent on these two programmes which had nothing to do with the Frequency Management Unit from the beginning. “The auditor has already made it clear that about $100M has to be recovered in this regard for it goes against the financial regulations of the company,” said the Junior Finance Minister.
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Secret Service shoots gunwielding man near White House (Reuters) - A U.S. Secret Service agent shot a man who brandished a gun near the White House yesterday while President Barack Obama was out golfing, and the man was taken to a hospital in critical condition, officials said. The Secret Service, which protects the president and his family, briefly locked down the White House as a precaution, and Vice President Joe Biden was secured within the White House complex during the lockdown, a White House spokeswoman said. The shooting took place just off 17th and E streets, near what is known as the South Lawn outside the home and offices of the president. A man carrying a gun approached a checkpoint shortly after 3 p.m. when uniformed Secret Service officers ordered him to stop and drop the weapon, the Secret Service said in a statement. “When the subject failed to comply with the verbal commands, he was shot once by a Secret Service agent and taken into custody,” the statement said. The man was taken to hospital in critical condition, the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department said. A man who appeared to be in his mid-20s walked to a gate of the White House holding a silver-colored gun pointed at the ground, said Brett Polivka, a 26-year-old visitor from Texas who was
Secret Service agents stand guard after a shooting incident near the White House in Washington DC, yesterday. (Reuters/ Jonathan Ernst) near the south side of the White House. “A couple officers drew their guns, went right at him and within two or three seconds we heard a gunshot,” Polivka said. The Secret Service, which also guards other top dignitaries, said all those under its protection were safe, but it did not say if Obama’s family was home at the time. “Everyone in the White House is safe and accounted for,” a White House official said. The shooting followed several incidents that raised questions about the Secret Service’s performance.
In September 2014, a knife-carrying man jumped a fence and ran into the White House itself in one of the worst security breaches during Obama’s tenure. That episode led to the resignation of the Secret Service’s director. In March 2015, two Secret Service agents capped off a night of drinking by driving into a White House barricade inches away from a suspicious package that investigators were examining. In 2011, a man hit the White House with automatic rifle fire, though damage to the building was not discovered for several days.
Protesters storm Baghdad’s Green Zone again, dozens hurt (Reuters) - Iraqi security forces opened fire on protesters who stormed into Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone yesterday and entered the cabinet building, drawing calls for revolt from a powerful Shi’ite Muslim cleric. Dozens of demonstrators were injured by tear gas and live fire, witnesses said. Some security personnel were stabbed, according to a military statement. Authorities could not immediately verify reports that several civilians had been killed. The thousands of protesters included supporters of cleric Moqtada al-Sadr and people from other groups upset with the government’s failure to approve anti-corruption reforms and provide security. The government briefly imposed a curfew on
Saturday May 21, 2016
Kaieteur News
Baghdad and authorities later said order had returned after what they called rioting at the Green Zone, which houses parliament, government buildings and many foreign embassies. “Infiltrators exploited our forces’ preoccupation with preparations for the Falluja battle to penetrate state institutions and cause chaos,” the military said, referring to a city 50 km (30 miles) west of Baghdad controlled by Islamic State for more than two years. Protesters occupied the cabinet building for several hours. Some held Iraqi flags and flashed peace signs near the insignia of the prime minister’s press office and inside a meeting room. The protesters eventually withdrew to Tahrir Square, but witnesses said security forces and unidentified gunmen opened fire there as well.
A military statement said riot police were “dealing with anyone trying to damage state institutions in accordance with the law”. Prime Minister Haider alAbadi condemned the Green Zone breach and warned against chaos and strife in a late-night televised speech, saying: “The law must take its course with every transgressor.” SECOND BREACH Sadr expressed support for what he called a “peaceful spontaneous revolt” and condemned the government for “killing its children in cold blood”. His supporters, protesting parliament’s failure to approve a non-political cabinet, also breached the Green Zone on April 30, storming the assembly complex and attacking officials before holding a 24hour sit-in at a nearby square.
Venezuela’s president to leave crisis-torn country to visit Trinidad PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro will pay a one-day visit to Trinidad and Tobago next Monday as the South American country remains in the grip of an economic and political crisis. He will be accompanied by his country’s ministers of Foreign Affairs, Petroleum and Mining, and Industry and Commerce. Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Stuart Young, said the visit is for the continuation of talks held between the two countries last October, and aims to enhance bilateral cooperation in the areas of foreign policy, energy and trade. “What is happening in Venezuela, we are fully aware of, but that does not mean the discussions should not continue,” he told the media in post-Cabinet briefing. “Venezuela is one of our closest neighbours. The President of Venezuela who is still the sitting President, has made a request of our government for meetings during the day and we are facilitating those meetings.” Young said the Government is monitoring the situation in Venezuela and, “if there
Nicolás Maduro is a situation where refugees start coming across to TT, then we have to be prepared for them.” “Under international humanitarian law, one cannot turn back people into your country. If they come in as refugees, then you have to be able to take care of them,” he said, adding that while people can apply under international humanitarian law to any country for refugee status, it is up to the receiving country to grant that status. National Security Minister Edmund Dillon has said that while travel restrictions are not being placed on visiting
Venezuelans, all effort will be made to ensure there is no illegal entry or that they do not stay within the country beyond their legal limit. A 60-day state of emergency has been declared in Venezuela where the armed forces and local committees have been given powers to distribute and sell food, and there have been violent protests. The work week has been reduced for employees in the public sector and the goahead has also been given for this to be done in the private sector, as part of measures to conserve electricity.
Jamaica PM holds wide ranging talks with World Bank senior official WASHINGTON - CMC – Prime Minister Andrew Holness has held wide ranging talks with the Vice President of the World Bank Jorge Familiar. The Washington-based financial institution said that Familiar, who was attending the annual board of directors meeting of the Barbadosbased Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), had congratulated Jamaica for its commitment to “good macro-economic policies” and expressed his conviction that, with continued reforms, Jamaica is “on the right path for accelerating growth”. The World Bank said that as part of its country partnership strategy, it is providing Jamaica with US$510 million over 2013– 2017 to support the island in changing its growth trajectory and boosting private sector development and competitiveness. The bank said the funds also come with support in transitioning to clean energy, a regional initiative to provide
Andrew Holness
new skills and jobs for the youth in the animation and digital economy, and efforts to improve social and climate resilience in the country. During the meeting, the World Bank said Holness and Familiar agreed to develop a new project on access to finance to support credit to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and on new innovative financing initiatives, including a debt for nature and resilience swap and a policy based guarantee. As part of the
government’s active debt management strategy, the World Bank said it is exploring with other partners an innovative debt swap initiative to improve the country’s debt profile while strengthening environmental sustainability and climate resilience. The Jamaican leader and the World Bank Vice President also discussed the possibility of using budget support in the form of a policy based guarantee to leverage additional funding from the market.
Saturday May 21 2016
Kaieteur News
Portia scolds Govt.
- Says budget made up of PNP programmes, but… Jamaica Observer - Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller has dismissed the Government’s 2016/17 budget as being made up of many programmes that were left behind by her Administration, but missing the critical elements that will make them workable. She also said the Opposition was concerned that the Government had deviated from the plans for those programmes. “We left them there with adequate funding… we are concerned,” Simpson Miller stated, arguing that the Andrew Holness-led Government was proving to be “a Government of announcements” which are not linked to formal policy and the funds to support those policies. The Opposition leader made the criticisms in the House of Representatives Thursday during her budget presentation — a significant portion of which extolled the various programmes undertaken by her People’s National Party during its four years in power. “Jamaica is now at a delicate stage of recovery and the budget being presented threatens to derail that recovery,” she stated during the presentation, which lasted just over an hour. The former prime minister, whilst insisting that her Administration had been well on the way to leading the country to economic prosperity, accused the two-and-a-halfmonth-old Jamaica Labour Party Government of slipping in a $13.8-billion tax package on the sly. Simpson Miller, like her spokesman on finance Dr Pe-
Portia Simpson Miller ter Phillips did a couple of days ago, said the Government has not delivered on the $1.5-million tax break as promised, and described the measures announced by Finance Minister Audley Shaw last week as having been “deceptively imposed”. “They said there would have been no new taxes to fund their promised income tax relief. Now every Jamaican man woman and child is paying for that promise,” she said, adding that thousands of people would not benefit. “What is worse, is that no one will get the $18,000 — not until 2018 — yet everyone will have to pay the new taxes,” remarked the Opposition leader, brushing aside the personal income tax relief plan as “tax-perity”. She also criticised the proposed changes to the education system. “The auxiliary fee confusion has cast a shadow over the future of our education system,” she
argued, and charged that the allocations to secondary schools are not enough to plug the gaps in their budget that would be created by removing those fees. Simpson Miller also pointed to announcements of changes to the school-feeding programme the early childhood stimulation programme, and the addition of years to the secondary school system. “The reality for the country is that an underfunded education system will set back the tremendous gains of the past four years. It is time for Jamaica to again have a national consultation on education and arrive at a consensus for the preservation of its gains and the correction of its problems,” she suggested. Prime Minister Andrew Holness will make his contribution to the debate on Tuesday.
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Saturday May 21, 2016
Kaieteur News
Ambrose needed in Windies team setup - Viv Richards ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Outspoken former West Indies captain Sir Vivian Richards, has leapt to the defence of Sir Curtly Ambrose, slamming the
reason given for the legendary former pacer’s dismissal as West Indies bowling consultant. Sir Curtly, who took 405 wickets in a stellar 98 Test
career, was last week replaced by former Barbados and West Indies A pacer, Roddy Estwick, after three years in the post. The Antiguan said he
Sri Lanka crumble to 91 all... (From page 35) superbly. Dimuth Karunaratne, Kaushal Silva and Kusal Mendis all edged catches to wicketkeeper Bairstow, leaving the tourists in deep trouble at 12 for three. Dinesh Chandimal, on 15, was well held by James Vince at third slip off Ben Stokes before Anderson trapped cap-
tain Angelo Mathews lbw for 34 and then dismissed Dasun Shanaka first ball with a peach of a delivery that the batsman nicked to Bairstow. The dismissal of Mathews was Anderson’s 435th in tests, taking him past India’s Kapil Dev into sixth place on the all-time list. Herath was smartly caught by Stokes in the slips
off Anderson for one, Chameera (2) drove Broad to Finn at mid-off and Lahiru Thirimanne, on 22, was caught by Finn at mid-on off Broad. Anderson completed his 19th five-wicket haul in tests and outstanding figures of five for 16 when he had Shaminda Eranga caught by Bairstow down the leg-side.
King Knight, CP Got Even, Golden... (From page 39) 1200 metres will see the victor cart off $ 200,000, 2nd place $100,000, 3rd place $50,000 and 4th place $25,000. The J3 and K Class will be battled over 1200 metres with the winner to receive $175,000, 2nd place $87,000, 3rd place $43,000 and 4th place $19,000.
The final race will be contested in the L Class over 1000 metres with the winner to collect $150,000, 2nd place $75,000, 3rd place $37,000 and 4th place $18,000. Some of the biggest stables in the country including the Elcock Stables, Jumbo Jet, Shariff Stables, Kris Jagdeo, Samsundar Stables,
Karibee Rice Stables, Shockings Stables, Lenny Singh Stables and Bacchus Stables have already confirmed participation. There will be a Fair Play prize of US $150 for a jockey that displays the most discipline throughout the day and this has been donated by Cordwell Bernard out of Queens, USA. Hot & Spicy will be in attendance with the food, while Thunderbolt Sound System will entertain the anticipated massive crowd. Among the sponsors on board is Banks DIH, Delmur Trading Company, P&P Insurance Brokers, Latchman Mohabir, R.N Poonai, Ministry of Sport, Jumbo Jet Auto Sales, Lancer Auto Sales, Atlantic Supplies, Trevor Williams (Attorney-at-Law), Potaro Fuel Supplies and Assuria Insurance.
Sir Vivian Richards was told by head coach Phil Simmons that while he had done a good job, a more technical approach was required, but Sir Viv disagreed with this view. “That’s for the academies, in my opinion, and
he (Sir Curtly) put it so perfectly when he said that if you are going to need all this technical help later on when you are part of the senior team, it means that something is wrong and it’s quite mind-boggling,” Sir
Viv told the Antigua Daily Observer. “The things you can see playing out, looks to me there is a friend and companion sort of environment.” Sir Viv, who never lost a series as captain, further contended that the quality of Sir Curtly’s resume was what was required at the highest level, to enable players to perform at their best. “I’ve seen that in the Australian set-up where [Dennis] Lillee is always around regardless of whatever achievements individuals have and regardless of whatever technical stuff they come with,” Sir Viv said. “I just believe that we place too much emphasis on the technical side of things and we have to try and get it right where the technical stuff is done.” (Jamaica Observer)
Saturday May 21, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You can make excellent purchases today. Colleagues may try to undermine you when talking to superiors. Don't overspend to impress others.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Don't get intimately involved with a coworker. Go on business trips if at all possible. Do a little investigating if there is someone at work you don't trust.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You will be extremely sensual; take precautions and don't take any risks. Take care of matters involving institutions or government agencies. You may be emotional and quick to judge others.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You would be best to work late in order to avoid such disharmony. Put your efforts into being creative.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) It will do you some good. You will need to spend extra time sorting through your work. Your self esteem will benefit. Friends will be loyal and caring. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Outdoor sports events should entice you. Stay mellow. Gambling will be a waste of time and money. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Avoid any over indulgences. You can make changes to your domestic scene that will benefit all who reside there. You will be overly sensitive today. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Try to address the real issues in order to turn things around. You're in the mood to do things such as competitive sports, or perhaps a night on the town. Do your own thing and everything will settle down.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Travel if it's needed to start the ball rolling. Travel should open doors that lead to exciting new adventures. You will enjoy lavish forms of entertainment and should consider making arrangements early. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Be sure to think twice before you say something that might hurt your partner's feelings. It's time to reevaluate your motives. Don't let your emotions interfere with completing your chores. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Take time to catch up on overdue correspondence. Be careful not to divulge secret information today. Visit friends or relatives you don't get to see very often. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Look into the cost factor, but don't try to get backing yet. You may need help with your financial situation. You might be a tad overindulgent today.
Saturday May 21 2016
RHTYSC, MS Cricket teams to construct H.D. Hoyte Memorial Family Recreation Park
Tony Amerally (left) of Amerally Sawmills presents a donation to RHTYSC, MS Mark Papannah. The eight cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS would shortly be undertaking one of their largest ever community development projects when they start the c o n s t r u c t i o n of a family recreational park in memory of the Club’s first Honorary Patron and late Executive President of Guyana, H u g h D e s m o n d H o y te. The teams – Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes Under 15, Rose Hall Town Bakewell Under 17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under 19 and Intermediate, Metro Females and Gizmos and Gadgets Under 21 and First Division will be investing as much as $2M to construct the Recreational Park, which would be situated right in front of the Area ‘H’ Ground. Secretary/CEO, Hilbert Foster, who is in charge of the project planning and coordination along with the cricket teams, stated that its objectives are to provide recreation and relaxation for families, to promote social cohesion among residents, to encourage families to spend time together and to play a part in the promotion of the Club’s highly successful Say No to Drugs, Crime, Suicide and Yes to Life, Education and Sports Programme. The 150’ by 50’ feet playfield would involve the construction of a Benab, permanent seating, flower garden, swings, slides, see-saws among others, while the entire park would be decorated
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Kaieteur News
with a family friendly setting. The venue would be open to members of the public and the Club would also on a monthly basis organise events for families while n u m e r o u s sporting events would also be organised in an effort to get youths interested in a sports car e e r. T h e l o n g - s e r v i n g Secretary/CEO stated that the park would be named after the Club’s first Honorary Patron as it was the late Executive President who inspired the RHTYSC, MS to transform itself from a mere cricketing Club into Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation with over 300 programmes/ projects annually. The Club has already secured the cooperation of several major partners with Regional Chairman David Armogan committing the RDC, Region 6 to leveling and preparing the venue and to providing several truckloads of white sand to do landscaping. P o p u l a r S a w m i l l e r, Tony Amerally of Amerally Sawmills has also donated close to $200,000 worth of materials to fence the playfield. Minister of Soc i a l P r o t e c t i o n , Vo l d a Lawrence has also committed $500,000 to the project, while the Ministry of Health would also be contributing. The Mayor and Town Council of Rose Hall Town in late 2015 had given per-
mission for the Club to use the proposed venue. The RHTYSC, MS would like to express profound gratitude to MR. Tony Amerally of Amerally Sawmills for his contribution to the fencing materials. The cricket teams hopes to complete the entire project by mid-August and intends to invite the Club’s Honorary Patron President David Granger to declare open it.
Demerara overcome GCB U17s by 16 runs Demerara defeated the Guyana Cricket Board select U17 team by 16 runs (Duckworth/Lewis/Stern method) when the Hand-inHand inter county U19 50over tournament resumed yesterday at the National Stadium. Demerara managed 140-9 after they were inserted in hazy conditions. Openers Ronaldo Renee and Raymond Perez added 20 before a lengthy rain interruption caused the game to be reduced to 35 overs. Upon resumption left arm spinner Ashmead Nedd gave his team the breakthrough when had Renee caught for 12 with the score on 35. Kevin Umroa then bowled Vishwanauth Ramlakhan for one before Perez and Sherfene Rutherford steadied the innings fairly. Perez timed the ball well hitting three fours before he was stumped off Umroa for 29 while Rutherford who deposited Nedd over mid-wicket fell to the same bowler for 16. Following the dismissal of skipper Travis Persaud who was run out for nine, the U17s managed to restrict the scoring with some steady bowling. However Ronaldo Mohamed slammed two sixes in a rapid 23 and got support down the order from Ramnarine Chatura (13) and Samuel McKenzie (12). Kevlon Anderson had 2-29 and Nedd 2-30.
Travis Persaud collects his man-of-the-match award from referee Colin Stuart. Bhaskar Yadram and Sachin Singh survived some nervous moments against off-spinner Richie Looknauth who was entrusted with the new ball as they featured in an opening stand of 33 before left arm spinner Keshram Seyhodan had Yadram caught and bowled for six. Singh who safely negotiated a testing spell from pacer Rutherford, hit two fours and one six but fell to Persaud for 27. Joshua Persaud and Javed Karim kept their team in the
hunt with sensible batting however when Persaud was taken off Travis Persaud for 18 and Karim went for 15, the U17s found it difficult to stay on par with the asking rate. Nevertheless Joshua Jones provided some entertainment with a cameo 28 (3x4) down the order while Nedd made 12 as the U17s were bowled out for 128 off the last ball of the innings. Persaud claimed 4-11 to claim man-of-the-match award while Looknauth had 3-13 and Mohamed 2-26.
AAG launches jubilee meet The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) and an ex-athletes association yesterday launched their Jubilee 10k and Track and Field meet at the CARIFESTA Complex formerly known as the Guyana National Service (GNS) Ground. The meet is scheduled for tomorrow beginning at 5am. The AAG along with the exathletes association has organised a 10km Road Race for distance athletes with the track and field meet scheduled to begin from 11am. One of the organisers, Burgette Williams-Forde gave some insight into hosting the event. “I had an appointment with Minister Nicolette Henry; I went to her to get permission to use this ground. I said to the minister we are not here to just host a meet; I told the minister that whatever the Government is doing, we would like the event to be a part of the
Golden Jubilee,” WilliamsForde stated. David Thomas, another organiser said he hopes the event evolves into something bigger. “One hope that we can evolve and help develop the athletes to greater standards, we want to partner with the Ministry and help with the
athletes to develop so that their story can be a success,” Thomas shared. Competition Director of the AAG, Mayfield TaylorTrim noted that all logistics are in place for the event and that they expect a great turnout. The organisers are reportedly spending in excess of
US$6,000. The athletes will be receiving medals and various prizes at both the 10km Road Race and Track and Field events. The Road Race will start and finish at GNS Ground while the Track and Field event will be held at the National Track and Field Centre.
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Saturday May 21, 2016
Kaieteur News
WIFBSC WADADLI CUP
Team Jaguars roar to victory; WIFB Short Range C/ship to be contested today By Franklin Wilson In Antigua with the compliments of Crown Mining Supply, Fitness Express, Safeway Security Service and Industrial Safety Supply Consistent shooting by the Guyana Jaguars 4-member team saw them cantering to victory in the Wadadli Team Cup when the penultimate day of shooting was contested at the Crabbs Fullbore Range here in Antigua, yesterday. Already giving up the West Indies Fullbore Shooting Council (WIFBSC) Individual X-Class title to Jamaica after defending champion Lennox Braithwaite lost out as well as fellow Guyanese Mahendra Persaud; but winning the O-Class category through Sherwin Felicien, the Guyanese shooters are leaving no stones unturned when it comes to taking back the Short Range championship to the Land of Many Waters,
that match - the West Indies Fullbore Championship formerly known as the Anchor Cup will be contested today. Yesterday’s Wadadli Cup saw the competing teams which numbered 11 (4-members each, shooting 2 sighting shots and 7 to count at the 300, 500 and 600 yards ranges.) Guyana Jaguars which led from the first range throughout the shoot and only dropped 2 points at the first two ranges and 14 at the last, ended with a total of 402 points and 21Vs. Barbados A came second with 391.20 whilst Jamaica Gold was third one point back with 390.17. The second Guyana team, Team Pirai, ended 9th. Lennox Braithwaite led with two possibles for the Guyana Jaguars at the 300 and 500 ranges while Fullbore Captain Mahendra Persaud also shot one at 300; ViceCaptain Dylan Fields achieved his at the 500 yards.
Braithwaite only dropped 2 points for the entire three ranges while Persaud and Fields dropped 5 each and the other member of the team, Ransford Goodluck, 6 to cap a fine day at the range, exhibiting good form ahead of today’s big match. Barbados A owe their good showing to the excellent form of the top female shot in the Caribbean, ShellyAnn Hinds who missed possibles at both the 300 and 500 yards ranges whilst dropping just 5 points for the day. Hinds’ teammate Louis King also dropped 5 points while the only possible for them was achieved by Marlon King at 500 yards. Other shooters returning possibles on the day were David Rickman of the Jamaica Gold at 300, dropping 3 shots for the entire day; Anderson Perry (300 yards) of Antigua Black who dropped just 2 points overall; Paul Archer (Guyanese) and Tom
Maynard of Canada at 300 yards and Ryan Sampson of Guyana Pirai at 500 yards. Commenting on the performance of Guyana Jaguar, Head Wind Coach ACP Paul Slowe stated that he was very pleased with the performances of the quartet given the challenging conditions that all the shooters had to face. He noted that while the Jaguars only dropped 2 points each at the first two ranges they battled well to only drop 14 at the final range, the same as Barbados A, Jamaica Gold dropped one less. Commenting on today’s 8Member Team Match, Captain Mahendra Persaud said that barring any major challenges, Guyana should retain the Short Range Championship, symbol of supremacy in the Caribbean. Guyana are also the Long Range Champions. ”We have some experi-
Members of Team Jaguars and Pirai setting up at the 300 yards range yesterday.
Washington DC Jammers here to take on Guyana’s best The Washington DC Jammers basketball team will continue their tradition of touring Guyana from tonight when they take on Ravens in their first game of a goodwill series at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Unlike previous years, it was noted that the DC Jammers will oppose Guyana’s top four clubs in four scheduled games. In the past, the United States-based composition played against Guyana’s national team in a Goodwill Series. The Guyana Amateur
Basketball Federation (GABF) welcomed DC Jammer to Guyana yesterday at Cara Lodge. Ravens finished fourth in the National Club Championships: Road to Mecca III. The schedule of the DC Jammers tour is below: Saturday, May 21 - DC Jammers vs. Ravens (Fourth Place: National Club Championships). The first game will bring together Bishops’ High School against Government Technical Institute (GTI). Sunday, May 22 - DC Jammers vs. Raiders (Runner-Up: National Club Champion-
ships). Tutorial High Takes on Plaisance Secondary in the first game. Tuesday, May 24 - DC Jammers vs. Pacesetters (Third Place: National Club Championships) Friday, May 27 - DC Jammers vs. Colts (National Club Champions). President’s College battle Marian Academy in the undercard. The school games are all Under-19 games, but will feature some of the best U-16 prospects as Guyana continues to prepare to host the Caribbean Basketball Confed-
eration (CBC) U-16 Championships in July. The games start at 6:30 pm each night with admission being $1000 for Adults and children 12 and under free; the GABF said that Entertainment will also be a feature of each night. According to President of the GABF, Nigel Hinds, each local club will be allowed a maximum of three guest players. DC Jammers Manager, Clarence Wallerson told Kaieteur Sport that his team is anxiously awaiting tonight’s competition.
enced shooters who have represented us with flying colours over the years and we are quite confident that once we get down and hit tight shots we will retain the trophy. The younger shooters on the team would need to step up and we have been working with them and are backing them to do their part for the nation.”
Team Guyana will come from Mahendra Persaud, Lennox Braithwaite, Dylan Fields, Ransford Goodluck, Ryan Sampson, Leo Romalho, Sherwin Felicien and Peter Persaud. The shoot will be 10 rounds at each range with 2 sighters. Persaud, Braithwaite, Goodluck and Fields are also Assistant Wind Coaches.
Kaieteur News
Saturday May 21, 2016
PAGE 39
Usain Bolt dips below 10 Sri Lanka crumble to 91 all seconds to win in Ostrava out after Bairstow century
Usain Bolt has won three 100m world titles. BBC Sport - Six-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt ran a season’s best 9.98 seconds in winning the men’s 100m at the Golden Spike meeting in the Czech Republic. In his first European outing of the year, the Jamaican recovered from a slow start to win with ease with Ramon Gittens 0.23
secs behind in second. Bolt clocked 10.05 seconds in his only other 100m of the season - at the Cayman Islands Invitational Meet. The 29-year-old needed treatment on a tight hamstring following that race. He took a break from racing after the Beijing
World Championships last August, where he won golds in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay. In the build up to the race in Ostrava, the 100m and 200m world record holder said his main aim was to break the world 200m record at this summer ’s Rio Olympics. (EPA)
(Reuters) The England pace attack ripped out Sri Lanka for 91 after Jonny Bairstow made an excellent century to put the hosts in complete control of the first test on the second day in Leeds on Friday. Bairstow’s superb knock of 140 lifted England to 298 in their first innings before James Anderson and Stuart Broad took nine wickets between them in favourable conditions for seam bowling at Headingley. England captain Alastair Cook enforced the follow-on and the touring side negotiated two deliveries to reach one for no wicket before bad light ended play. Sri Lanka trail by 206 runs in the opening match of the three-test series. England had resumed in the morning on 171 for five and Bairstow and Alex Hales extended their sixth-wicket partnership to 141. Hales, on 86, was in sight of his maiden test century when he skied spinner Rangana
Stuart Broad finished with 4 for 21, England v Sri Lanka, 1st Test, Headingley, 2nd day, May 20, 2016 ©PA Photos
Herath to deep extra cover. Moeen Ali (nought) and Broad (two) were dismissed by Dushmantha Chameera in the same over but Bairstow, dropped on 70, completed his second test hundred and celebrated the achievement enthusiastically on his home ground. Bairstow found a solid
partner in Steven Finn, the pair adding 56 for the ninth wicket before the former skied a catch to mid-on off Chameera. Sri Lanka made a dreadful start to their reply as experienced fast bowlers Anderson and Broad exploited the conditions (Continued on page 32)
Kaieteur News
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Saturday May 21, 2016
Green Machine take on Reggae ruggers today -Rugby America’s North (RAN) 15s
The Green Machine takes a photo op following their win over Barbados last month. G u y a n a ’s ‘ G r e e n Machine’ will spring into action today when they face Jamaica in the Rugby America’s North (RAN) 15s matchup, at the National Park, starting from 16:00hrs. The Guyanese are coming off an impressive 4817 showing in their previous encounter against Barbados,
while Jamaica lost to defending champions Trinidad and Tobago. Earlier in a press briefing, both captains Richard Staglon (Guyana) and Hubert Thomas (Jamaica) had expressed confidence on winning and local fans are being urged to come out and provide the
usual support for the ‘Green machine’ as they seek to advance to the next stage of the competition. The Guyana squad is: J a s o n Ty r e l l , R o n d e l McArthur, Rickford Cummings, Kevon David, Jose Felicien, Dwayne Schroeder, Jamal Angus, Richard Staglon (Captain),
Ceon Kitt, Delroy Gordon, Fabian Joseph, Toby David, Ryan Gonsalves, Peabo Hamilton, Dane Parks, Lancelot Adonis, Triton Brathwaite, Avery Corbin, Ronald Mayers, Patrick King, Leon Greaves, Godfrey Broomes, Claudius Butts. Reserves are: Blaze Bailey, Osie Mckenzie and
Allen Crawford. The Jamaica squad is: Romaen Campbell, Omar Roachie, Jones Mab, Orien Smith, Dushane Alford Crisdan Grayson, Nicholas Pusey, Tackeem Creary, Julius Reid, Errick Groves, Renhardo Richards, Antonio Baker, Neville Lynch, Steve Miller, Andrew Hylton,
Shamar Creary, Everton Richards, Andrew Simpson, Jermaine Daley, Owen Linton, Hubert Thomas (Captain), Kenneth Walker, Shaneal Brown and Stephen S c o t t . Tezra Sangtser: Manager, Dr. Anthony GreenawayCoach and Denzil WilliamsCoach.
Kaieteur News
Saturday May 21, 2016
PAGE 41
Juniors impressive as Woodpecker Products Ltd Junior Squash continues
Maya Collins (left) misses a backhand shot during her loss to Makeda Harding. (Sean Devers photo) The Guyana Squash Association (GSA) in collabo r a t i o n w i t h i t s corporate sponsor Digicel is holding its second junior tournament for 2016, the Woodpecker Products Ltd Junior National Squash Championships at the Georgetown Club Inc courts. Play continued on day two with fixtures in ten of the twelve categories up for grabs. Most of the country’s top players are in excellent form and this was evident from their fantastic play on court. Results in the respective categories were as follows: Boys Under 11 Kamir Khan defeated Mohyryan Baksh 11/4, 7/11,13/11, 11/3
Demetrius De Abreu defeated James Mekdeci 11/2, 11/8, 11/3 Ethan Jonas beat Nathan Rahaman 11/2, 11/0, 11/1 Boys Under 13 Nechemiyah Levans beat Zachary Persaud 11/7, 11/8, 11/5 Dominic Collins beat Mashal Allicock 11/4, 11/2, 11/7 Demetrius De Abreu beat Liam Carpenter 11/5, 11/2, 11/0 Girls Under 13 Abosaide Cadogan beat Teija Edwards 11/2, 11/2, 11/1 Madison Fernandes defeated Haley Carpenter 11/1, 11/0, 11/4 Kirsten Gomes beat Aliyah Persaud 11/9, 15/17, 16/14, 11/6
Mayor’s Cup football continues today at Victoria T h e M a y o r ’s C u p football tournament will continue today at the Victoria ground on the East Coast of Demerara following opening day action at the same venue yesterday. BV Triumph will face Eagles in the opening encounter at 6:30pm, while Golden Grove tangle with Herstelling at 8:30pm in the nightcap. More play is set for tomorrow, this time at the Den Amstel ground on the Westside with another double header. Pouderoyen challenge Soesdyke in the opening game at 2:00pm, while Den
Amstel take on Kuru Kururu at 4:00pm. 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. Sponsors supporting this year’s event are Aruwai Resorts, Ansa McAl, John Fernandes and Minister of State Joseph Harmon as the key supporters. Others to have thrown their support include the Government of Guyana, Macorp, Busta, Cummings Electrical, Bakewell, IPA, China Trading, E Networks, Namilco and BK International.
Shomari Wilshire (right) in action against Rithew Saywack on Thursday evening. (Sean Devers photo) Boys Under 15 Shomari Wiltshire beat John Phang 11/1, 11/2, 11/2 Daniel Islam beat Lucas Jonas 11/4, 11/0, 11/0 Anthony Islam beat Jason Gomes 11/0, 11/5, 11/1 Samuel Ince-Carvahal beat Jason Gomes 11/1, 11/2,
Rebecca Low (right) puts pressure on Larissa Wilshire on Thursday night in their Girls U-19 match at the Georgetown Club. (Sean Devers photo)
11/4 Samuel-Ince-Carvahal beat Gianni Carpenter 11/6, 10/12, 11/5, 11/2 Girls Under 15 Makeda Harding defeated Maya Collins 11/4, 12/10, 11/7 Boys Under 17 S h o m a r i Wi l t s h i r e
defeated Rithew Saywack 7/11, 11/5, 8/11, 11/6, 11/4 Rithew Saywack defeated Anthony Islam 11/3, 13/11, 11/5 Girls Under 19 Laris s a Wilts hire defeated Rebecca Low 11/1, 11/4, 11/7 Boys Under 19
Ben Mekdeci beat Daniel Islam 11/7, 11/4, 11/2 Alex Cheeks beat Alec Melville 12/10, 9/11, 11/7, 11/2 Matches continue today starting at 10:00am. The finals are scheduled for tomorrow starting at 10:00 am.
Kaieteur News
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Saturday May 21, 2016
Slingerz defeat Buxton United, Alpha United awarded game against Pele Latest results of action in the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) STAG Elite League Finale held on Wednesday last at National Track and Field Facility, Leonora, show contrasting results with one match being investigated. The double-header featured Slingerz FC vs Buxton United FC in the first game and Alpha United FC vs Pele FC in the second. Slingerz overcame Buxton United 3-1 through strikes by Trayon Bobb in the 37th and 45th (+1) and Domini Garnett in the 75th, while Rondell Assanah in the 38th minute made the lone response for Buxton. Jamaal A. Booker (55’) (Buxton United FC) was sent off for violent conduct.
Action in the game between Slingerz and Buxton United at Leonora last Wednesday. The second contest saw Alpha United FC leading Pele FC 2-0 with an Own goal (19) and Daniel Wilson (26) accounting for their tally in an ill-tempered affair. Pele’s Gregory
Richardson (25’) was sent off for using abusive language to referee and Omario Williams (27’) was also expelled for using threatening language to the referee. The official
eventually awarded the win to Alpha United as a result of Pele’s refusal to continue the game in the 27th minute when a second member of the Pele team was Red Carded. The GFF has
Star Party Rentals adds support to Soft Shoe Football Tournament
Star Party Rentals’ Tressita Greaves hands over the cheque to Petra’s Mark Alleyne in the presence of Troy Mendonca (left) and Trenton Griffith yesterday. Star Party Rental became the latest entity to offer support to the Petra Organisation-organised Soft Shoe Football Competition which is set to open on Monday, at the Ministry of Health ground on Brickdam and Vlissingen Road. At a simple presentation at the company’s Craig Street Campbellville l o c a t i o n y e s t e r d a y, representative of the entity Tressita Greaves handed a cheque for an undisclosed
sum to Petra Organisation’s Mark Alleyne in the presence of Director Troy Mendonca and Manager of Star Party Rentals Trenton Griffith. The event which has as its theme ‘Stop Genderbased Violence’ will see twenty-four communitybased teams in Georgetown battle for $700,000 in total prize monies with the winning team set to receive $300,000, runner-up $200,000, 3rd place
$100,000 and 4th place $50,000 along with trophies. The main sponsor is the Ministry of Health, while other entities that have pledged support include Busta, GTT, Lucky Dollar, N i g e l ’s S u p e r m a r k e t , Junior’s Jewelry, Star Party Rental and 2 J’s General Store. Speaking at the occasion, Mendonca thanked Star Party Rentals for its continued support to the
Organisation, adding that the entity has always responded positively to their request and yesterday’s gesture was another clear example of such. Greaves speaking on behalf of the entity said she was heartened by the fact that the focus will be on sensitising participants on the scourge of gender-based violence with the aim of reducing or possibly eradicating what has become a national affliction.
initiated and investigation into the on-field incident and a ruling would be made shortly. More play is set for tomorrow, Sunday, from 18:00hrs at the National
Track and Field Facility, Leonora. Buxton United will challenge Alpha United in the opening encounter, while the second contest pits Monedderlust against Slingerz.
New York Business Group/Berbice Cricket Board U-19 one-day 2 innings competition
Senwasane 82, Latiff 9 for 12 help Port Mourant beat Albion by innings and 88 runs The Port Mourant Cricket Club (PMCC) continued its winning streak in the New York Business Group sponsored Under-19 one-day 2 innings competition when they defeated Albion Cricket Club by 88 runs and an innings in their match played at the Port Mourant Community Center. Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Albion Cricket Club were all out for 102 in 34 overs. R. Kasinauth led the scoring with 29, while G. Outar made 25 followed by A. Ault on 20. All the other batsmen failed to accumulate double figures as the Port Mourant bowlers proved detrimental to the Albion batting order. Bowling for Port Mourant Cricket Club, Kevin Latif took 4 wickets for 4 runs in his 8 overs. Totaram Rajaram took 2 for 14 in his 4 overs, while Jamar Lancaster, Imran Khan, Antonio Kempadoo, and Ezekiel Kempadoo took
one wicket each Port Mourant’s reply to the total set by Albion showed aggression and determination and allowed them to 212 in 48 overs. Batting for Port Mourant, the aggressive Opener Veramootoo Senwasane made a smashing 82, while Imran Khan crafted 41. Emmanuel Seecharran made 25 while Totaram Rajaram and Ezekiel Kempadoo ended on 13 each. The Albion Batsmen failed to recover from the first innings defeat, and further crumbled in the second innings, as the whole team was bowled out for 22 runs, giving the Port Mourant Cricket Club a lead of 88 runs and one innings to spare. Port Mourant’s left arm spinner Kevin Latiff again proved dangerous and bagged 5 wickets for 8 runs, while Sudesh Ghamandi also took 5 for 7 runs. The competition is continuing.
Kaieteur News
Saturday May 21, 2016
PAGE 43
Linden Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition
Defending champs Russians sent packing Underdogs High Rollers reached new heights after claiming the scalp of defending champions Amelia’s Ward Russians in quarter-final action of the Linden segment of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition which continued on Thursday night at the Mackenzie Market Tarmac. Played before another large gathering of fans, the Rollers coasted to a comfortable 3-0 triumph over favourites Russians to set up a semi-final date against Team 25 that is led by former national mid-field maestro Collie Hercules. They were led to victory through strikes from Jamal Almons, who gave them the ideal start when he netted in the first minute of play after firing into the right corner of the goal. Kendolph Lewis then stretched their advantage when he unleashed a powerful right-footer after eleven minutes to make it 2-0.
Almons returned two minutes later to put the result beyond doubt after booting in from the left side this time to invoke ecstatic celebrations among their supporters. E a r l i e r, Te a m 2 5 made it to the last four after inflicting a crushing 5-0 win over Magic Stars with Romain Adams lashing in a double in the 19th and 20th minutes, while Collie Hercules, Quacey Johnson and Ryan Noel converted solitary strike in the fourth, fifth and sixth minutes respectively. In other quarter-final results: Wisroc edged Silver Bullets 2-0 on penalty kicks after regulation and extra time ended 2-2. Deshawn Joseph gave Wisroc the lead in the first minute when he completed a counter attack with a clinical finish. Omeion Wills then made it 2-0 after three minutes hitting into the empty goal, before Silver Bullets
-High Rollers, Team 25, Wisroc, Classic 6 make semi-finals
Part of quarter-final action in this year’s Linden Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition. responded two minutes later through Damian Williams. Nigel Bennett then gave Silver Bullets temporary reprieve when he netted the equaliser in the 13th minute to send the game into extra
time. Classic-6 sealed their berth after dispatching Hardknocks 3-0. Colwyn Drakes registered a brace in the fourth and 19th minutes,
while Shane Luckie added the other in the 20th minute. In the other semi-final, Wisroc take on Classic-6 on Monday at the Amelia’s Ward Tarmac. The winning team will
pocket $400,000 and the cha m p i o n s h i p t r o p h y, while second, third and fourth placed finishers will receive $150,000, $75,000 and $50,000 respectively.
Four Horseman / Jumbo Jet ‘Golden Jubilee’ Race Meet
King Knight, CP Got Even, Golden Blue Echo heading for classic showdown As the countdown enters one-day away, trainers from the respective stables that have entered horses for tomorrow’s Four Horseman / Jumbo Jet ‘Golden Jubilee’ Race Meet are predicting a scorching feature event, at the Port Mourant Turf Club. The early betting favourite King Knight who was recently imported by the Jumbo Jet Stables has been reported as going excellent during exercise gallops and this show of form has made him the odds on favourite to win the feature ‘A’ Class event. However, member of the Organising Committee Compton Sancho, who visited Berbice earlier in the week, speaking with Kaieteur Sport yesterday said that even though the betting favourite seems to be in great form, horses such as CP Got Even, Golden Blue Echo, Lady Budapest, Princess She’s Not and Plum Plum have all been
-Trainers promising scorching feature event
This is what Port Mourant Turf Club will witness in tomorrow’s Four Horseman / Jumbo Jet ‘Golden Jubilee’ Race Meet. impressive during gallops as well and he is predicting a riveting battle down the homestretch for the top prize. According to the experienced turfites, the
promoters of the event have pulled out all the strings to get a high class field that they believe will provide tremendous excitement for the anticipated massive outpouring of turfites.
The race which will be run over 1900 metres carries total prize monies in the vicinity of $3million with the winner set to receive $ 1 , 7 5 0 , 0 0 0 ; r u n n e r- u p $750,000, 3rd place
$375,000 and 4th place $187,000. Meanwhile, the cofeature, the D3& Lower for horses that have earned over $100,000 within the last six months is also expected to
add to the day’s excitement and this event includes horses classified E&F Lower over a distance of 1400 metres with the winner guaranteed $750,000, 2nd place $375,000, 3rd place $182,000 and 4th place $90,000. The G & Lower for West Indian bred horses will be run over 1200 metres with the winner to collect $350,000, 2nd place $175,000, 3rd place $85,000 and 4th place $42,000. The H2&Lower is the next race up over 1000 metres with a first prize of $300,000, 2nd place $150,000, 3rd place $75,000 and 4th place $37,000. The Guyana and West Indian bred three year-olds that have not won a total of $100,000 will battle over 1000 metres for a top prize of $250,000, runner-up $125,000, 3rd place $62,000 and 4th place $31,000. The J3 & Lower over (Continued on page 32)
t r o Sp WIFBSC WADADLI CUP
Team Jaguars roar to victory; WIFB Short Range C/ship to be contested today
Wadadli Cup winners, Guyana Jaguars, from right Ransford Goodluck, Dylan Fields, Lennox Braithwaite and Mahendra Persaud.
Washington DC Jammers here to take on Guyana’s best
The Executive of the GABF, management and players of the Washington D.C Jammers pose for a photo opportunity yesterday at Cara Lodge.
Rugby America’s North (RAN) 15s
Green Machine take on Reggae ruggers today Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210