Kaieteur News
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Tuesday May 24, 2016
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
Effective family planning needed The report by the Ministry of Health that there have been 800 reported cases of abortions in 2015 is alarming for a population of only 750,000. In Guyana, abortion has been legal for the past twenty years and while it is free at the public hospitals, it is still a taboo subject that has resulted in many illegal abortions in the country. It is a very serious and contentious issue. Some do not like it, others believe it is wrong, and many are of the opinion that it should only concern those involved. The idea of terminating a pregnancy at any time is disturbing to many; loud and passionate opposition to it is understandable. However, it is time for abortion to be discussed sensibly and impartially, without religious prejudices and negative attitudes towards those who may seek it. Many believe that it is better to terminate a pregnancy than to give birth without the means to take care of that child. Others have claimed that adoption is preferable to abortion especially in cases of rape and incest. But some are of the opinion that it should be a judgement call based on the prevailing circumstances and only those involved should make the decision to abort or not to. These points of view have ignored the issue of morality which could affect society. There are some who believe that the foetus feels pain during an abortion and that the procedure is murderous and barbaric. Others have claimed that there is no foetus or heartbeat if abortion is carried out five weeks after a woman becomes pregnant and the procedure is not necessary because not every woman is emotionally scarred after having an abortion. However, society should not allow abortions to be readily available without proper laws to govern the process. But the laws governing abortion in Guyana are liberal. Religious groups have posited that abortion should only be allowed to save a woman’s life or to preserve her physical or mental health. Also, the spouse’s consent is required for legal abortion and their prescribed punishment for anyone performing or even attempting the procedure should be imprisonment. This applies to the pregnant woman also. They do not take into consideration the economic or social situations of the person. Pregnancy could impact negatively on the overall health of women who are in dire financial straits and in difficult social circumstances, such as being unemployed or being in an abusive relationship. The views expressed by the religious groups could place women, the children that they may give birth to and the society at risk. They will force women to have illegal abortions without any monitoring of the procedure, and the substandard care provided could ultimately result in death. Children born to immature mothers often suffer. They would raise dysfunctional children and thus the cycle continues. Guyana is a poor country where poverty, unemployment and crime are reportedly increasing, so having unplanned children increases the burden on society. It also makes it very difficult for single mothers to raise decent and law abiding children. Many are likely to be uneducated and would be involved in juvenile crime, child labor and prostitution. This is not to say that abortion should be restricted but it should not be used as a primary method of birth control. There should be effective family planning in order to avoid pregnancy and people must be responsible. Also, other options should be made available when pregnancy prevention fails, as it does even with some responsible persons. Despite the pros and cons on abortion, it is the right of a woman to make informed decisions about her own body. After all, it is her body. It is not her spouse’s and it is certainly not the state’s. The government’s policy on abortion is both a public health and a criminal justice issue, but for women, especially single mothers, it is a gender affairs issue that involved caring, nourishing and feeding their children. There is no escaping it.
It is time we pull and swim together DEAR EDITOR; While the 50th anniversary of our independence from Great Britain is truly a cause for celebration, should we reflect on the mismanagement of our Independence so that we can chart a course away from the racial divide that has fractionalized our country as the politics of one racial group surpass its predecessor’s corruption? When we sought our Independence, we had a sense of right and wrong and goodwill for all our people and nation. However, kleptocracy, cold war politics, racism, corruption, despotism, crime and other factors resulted in migration, indifference and resignation with the status quo because we are a party to the soup. To break this cycle, we have a coalition government that is giving us a glimpse of hope in what might be a tenuous future. The coalition government arrived when the latest grab for Guyana was at a
critical point. We still do not know the effects this grab will have on Guyana. Moreover, it begs the question – are we truly an independent nation? This will not be the last grab for Guyana, so it is vital that Guyanese unite to withstand the onslaught of future exploiters, from within and without, who will try to undermine the green partnership Guyana has with Norway and, most importantly, the world. If we give away our resources by having our irreplaceable rainforest destroyed in the quest for gold and diamond, we will be throwing away our one jewel that is more precious than our nation will ever be. During this Independence Day of reflection, I have hope for Guyana. African/Indian Guyanese have suffered under the other’s racial governance and racial crimes. No race has the moral high ground, for every race is represented among the criminal element
in our society. The fifty years of blood from innocent victims and the tears of their relatives from our six people salt our rivers. If we are truly citizens of our independent country, we must all engage in nurturing our people and our country’s Independence. If we want to be “one people, one nation and with one ‘resplendent’ destiny,” we must have one justice for all. If we truly love Guyana, the land of our birth, we should not ask what we want from Guyana but what we want for Guyana. As children of Guyana’s Independence, we have had growing pains, but we, at 50, are too old to point fingers and say we are victims of imperialism and “foreign” influence. It is time we come forth from the shade to cleanse our country from the garbage, political and social, that has sullied our country and stymied the growth of our people and nation. Stanley Niamatali
I disagree with these sports awards DEAR EDITOR; The National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Guyana Olympics Association (GOA) are two national sports entities that are responsible for all and various sports’ disciplines nationally. With this in mind the NSC’s task is more onerous in selecting the various sport personalities, in the respective categories. In relation to the GOA, determining the Male and Female Sportsman and Sportswoman of the year respectively, the benchmark is much easier, since the individuals and Associations/ Federations, are only drawn from Olympics Sports. So in actuality Motor and Horse Racing; Chess, Darts and Cricket to name a few are automatically eliminated by the GOA’s standards. But nevertheless are catered for by the NSC. However, with time and space not permitting me to elaborate more, I am still of the firm opinion that more categories should be added comprising of: Runners-up for Male and Female, Seniors and Juniors; Professional (semi) and Amateur, local and overseas, etc. Finally, with the Sports Personality Award; I can’t agree more with an individual’s publication of a letter, in questioning the rationale by the NSC, in choosing Mr. Anand Sanasie. Editor, despite the fact our senior
national cricket team kept the Golden Arrowhead flying high, I must ask what about non-funding for some cricket affiliates? A claim of ostracization by Linden? Constitutional malpractices, including the non-convening of the GCB’s AGM of which Sanasie is the Secretary and also a WICB Director? By the way in accordance with the letter, the malpractices were criticized by the NSC’s Director, so why the award? Isn’t this an act of duplicity and unprofessionalism? Now what about the Sports Journalist Award to Kaieteur News, Franklin Wilson? This individual was the former President (ag) of GFF, also the President, East Bank Football Association and would have firsthand information on national and domestic football activities, under the auspices of the Guyana Football Federation. Apart from football and power lifting, which Wilson is integrally involved in to some extent, along with rifle shooting, how many other sports disciplines does Wilson articulates? Check his caption “GOLDEN JAGUARS COMES UP SHORT AGAINST CANADA, LOSE 5-1” (KN 16. 05.16). By what means did the Golden Jaguars come up short? Is it by virtue of being outplayed in every facet of the game? “Hammered, Mauled,
Demolished, and Trounced and taught a lesson in the scientific attributes that the modern sport now demands? The clueless Jaguars, additionally were outfoxed, outpaced and outlasted by a clinical display from the visiting Canadians. Meaningful journalism encourages one to read, not to be turned off by the caption. Then there is the Award for the NonPrint Journalist, which went to Avenash Ramzan of Channel 28, a subsidiary of Guyana Times. Once again, what is the rationale for the decision? As the anchor for the Sports News on a nightly basis, the individual does little or no field work; just reading from an already edited and prepared script. What of the still photographers for the print media and the cameramen recording for TV stations? Don’t they count? In relation to the GOA, the Sports Journalist Award to Sean Devers of Kaieteur News. The individual is an exponent on cricket along with being an analyst, commentator/broadcaster. With cricket being a non-Olympics Sport, which sporting discipline did he provide coverage all year long, to truly deserve the accolade? It’s my sincere desire with the implementation of the long awaited National Sports Policy, the aforementioned factors will be considered Lester Sealey
The reasons the people voted for the Coalition DEAR EDITOR; This week I read that the Administration announced via the Minister of Public Health that the people of Guyana could soon see the implementation of a tax on as they described it, “sugary beverages” and the reason given is to help the nation become healthy. As was announced, the tax will be in the tune of ten percent. As I read the article- start to finish – I was taken in by the PART where the Minister stated that it would in fact mirror what has been done by our Caricom neighbor,
Barbados. As I read that remark, I wondered why of late we have been hearing so regularly, that such a country is doing this or that. Every time the Coalition needs to tax the population further to satisfy (pay) for the HEFTY Pay increases that was handed to themselves, we are reminded of who is doing what. Is the Coalition so insecure that they need to PEDAL on other countries actions? Why do they need to seek this kind of psychological support before enacting any legislation? If the Coalition needs to tax the people more, they don’t have to resort to this level of
emulation. This is not the first instance that we have been reminded of which countries are doing this and that. As I got to that point, it struck me that we were told by our leader “that we must (should) be careful what we copy from others”. Why are we being treated like little children so often by this Coalition I would recommend to the Coalition that if they feel the need to copy, let’s begin by devising a plan to 1 - improve the economic health of the Guyanese people; BARBADOS has done that. 2, Devise a plan to tackle and curb the (Continued on page 23)
Tuesday May 24, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Complaints against the Mr. E.B. John should fast food outlets not inject politics into DEAR EDITOR; We are in the Golden Jubilee celebration period and one would expect to get a good treatment/service wherever he/she goes but a few observations made me wonder what we’re celebrating. A while ago some relatives and I venture into the Popeye’s branch on Camp street and upon placing our order we were inform that some of the things are not available like the pepper sauce, certain flavours of drinks and some of the things we ordered to eat. Reluctantly we ordered what was available and sat in the exterior section to eat and observed a man poorly dressed walking around the yard with a cutlass in his hand picking up garbage etc., and only to summarize that he’s the security guard. After eating, one of my relative returned to the outlet to obtain some toothpicks and to our amusement, she came out with corn cob sticks and told us that they don’t have toothpicks and they give her that. I ventured inside and asked to speak to the supervisor and he was standing in the customer’s area and I explained about the service we’ve received and asked if that’s regular. He told me that this is a normal and they run out of stock but when prompted about the staff’s attitude he didn’t answer because instead of the staff being sincere, they had an attitude like ‘this is what we have either
you take it or don’t’. We left there greatly disappointed. Yesterday after calling Starrs Computers to query about a HP printer and the cost, I went to purchase it and while in the process the sales attendant told me that I have to buy a required cable separately because for some reason the HP company decided to leave out the cable that connects from the printer to the computer. Wouldn’t it have been better to tell me before I went there? After that I visited QuikServ at Stabroek market and after viewing the various signs and prices, I placed my order and was told I have to pay more than what is written on the display board. I pointed out that the display price is what I was working with and the pleasant lady told me the computer/cash register has a different price and that is what they are working with. I enquired how long this is going on because it could put someone in an embarrassing position and she told me that since last year the prices changed for lots of things but for some reason the management of Banks DIH are not changing the misleading prices on display even though many customers voiced their disapproval even after speaking to supervisor when they are inform of the differences. I’m wondering what would be the tourists’ reactions especially when I look around there’s no garbage bins in sight and the table are
littered with empty bottles, tissues, boxes etc. I spend nearly half an hour there and customers had to push the stuff aside on tables if they want to use a table. This is some Jubilee environment we seeing and expect visitors/tourists to accept Finally Editor, passing the Stabroek market at the eastern gates, you are greeted with marijuana smell and people pestering you to sell or buy something. Our Town Clerk is relocating vendors (some) but sees it fit to leave these people to conduct suspicious activities, including selling drugs there and deterring people from venturing into the market because of their menacing looks. The Town Clerk demolished a building that I use to frequent and that I took others to see including the now Director of Sports, former Ministers and present Ministers, based on allegations and I’m prepared to publicly deny these allegations and I’m quite sure that many people whom I took there at various hours would verify that they were never scared, threatened, or witnessed any of those allegations that this the Godly Town Clerk is talking about. I’m urging the relevant authorities to put a leash on him because he’s doing more damages instead of rebuild and to polish it off, he is not exactly truthful. He probably has his personal vendetta against these people and thus he’s using his position to execute his vengeance. Sahadeo Bates
Hindu values must not be compromised DEAR EDITOR; Please permit me to briefly respond to Jonathan Subrian’s missive, ‘Mother’s Day event at Mandir did not bring Hinduism into disrepute’, (S.N. May 20), which was in response to my previous letter on the said subject. Mr. Subrian did not deny that that the function was held in the Mandir. He further admitted that: (1) “Bollywood themed songs were crooned by various artistes. To create a convivial atmosphere, a Bollywood video of songs and dances was shown as guests were filtering in.” (2) Dancing took place in the Mandir. He wrote: “As dinner tailed off, DJ music (sic) wafted through the air, and a few mothers swayed to the rhythmic beats.” Remember, all this took place in a Mandir, a place of worship. Conspicuously absent, however, was any mention of any form of religious activities. The writer tried to justify the above by referring to Lord Shiva performing the Shiva Tandava dance, and also the various Indian classical dances. Were the dancers perform-
ing the ‘Kathak’ or ‘Odissi’ to the beat of the devotional “Maa Teri Manta Kitani Pyaaree …?” I am all for changes. But our Dharmic and Hindu values must not be compromised in the name of ‘change.’ The integrity of Hinduism must not be sacrificed at the altar of modernism. The sanctity of our Mandirs must be preserved and respected. If the supposed custodians of our Dharma do not get it, then God help us. Mr. Subrian’s letter speaks for itself. Let the public judge. Our Sabha’s membership comprises twenty-one practicing and aspiring Pandits from the West Bank, West Coast and East Bank Essequibo. We shall be working along with other Hindu Organizations, Swamis and Cultural organizations for the establishment of an oversight body, as mentioned in my previous letter. Pt. R. Balbadar. President, Sanatan Vaidic Dharma Pandits’ Sabha, Region 3
his writings
DEAR EDITOR; Reference is made to Mr E.B. John’s letter in the Stabroek News of Saturday 21st May, titled: “Merit compensation in the public service was aborted by the last regime” which adverted to mine in the various local newspapers recently on issues relating to performance related pay. I do not wish to get into the ‘political’ aspects of Mr John’s presentation; indeed I believe that it is improper for professional Human Resources Management (HRM) practitioners, be they officers or managers or directors or consultants to project any political bias, no matter how incidental, when publicly addressing HRM issues or even individual cases. Mr John’s letter seems to suggest that because I did not actually work in the Guyana Public Service, especially in the colonial era as he did, then, ipso facto, I was not qualified to comment or advise on matters relevant thereto. With all due respect to my friend and senior colleague, I wish to remind him that while I might have been “estranged” (to use his language) from the Guyana Public Service, I have, as a matter of fact, worked in and held senior Human Resource Management positions in the Canadian Public Service as well as the United Nations, two very large, ‘state-of-the-art’ and progressive Public Service organizations in the under-developed, developing and developed world. Additionally, I have had significant recent involvement and experiences as a consultant in HRM within the Guyana Public Service which afforded me some substantive familiarity with its old, recent and current HRM policies and practices. I am also painfully aware of the “manipulation” of the so-called “Merit system” with its resultant negatives in the critical areas of promotion, demotion and termination.
In any event, my knowledge and experiences of what obtains in the aforesaid ‘Public Services’ post-date Mr. John’s experience in the old colonial Public Service of British Guiana; furthermore, one does not have to be working or to have worked in any public service organization to know what goes on in such ‘bureaucracies’ and to have a good appreciation of the relevant pros and cons. In these regards, I am rather surprised by Mr John’s apparent pre-occupation with “The pro forma and even completed documentation …..” as he put it, in the British Guiana/Guyana’s old, old system when the world has gone ahead with various methodologies that are reflective of new ‘human systems’ and modus operandi; at the most obvious, elementary level we have the advent and advances of the whole new
world of IT which naturally calls into question any slavish adherence to the distant past, as some colleagues who are anchored in the last century, are wont to do. Finally, I respectfully suggest to Mr. John that if he were to re-read my referenced letter, he would see that I am not averse to performance-related pay and benefits but, like him, I also cautioned about the dire need for much ‘preparatory work’, including the training and retraining of which he wrote. And, having regard to the considerable time factor implicit in the pre-required substantive training and attitudinal changes, especially if such preparatory training must await the setting up of the anticipated Public Service Training College, we cannot ignore the pragmatic issues which are exacerbated by the declared expectation of immediate negotiations with the Union etc. In the final analysis, the optimal position might (Continued on page 23)
A desperate appeal to GTT DEAR EDITOR; Please assist by publishing my ordeal so that GTT can correct the faulty telephone line 339-2212. Since January 2016 after numerous complaints to a Mr. Shiek Nizamudeen of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company, New Amsterdam that 339 2212 is dropping calls made to it, technicians turned up. They came to my business to check out the connections; after replacing some wires the phone worked for two days then it went dead. Many reports were made via the GT&T hotline 0907, a Mr. Singh promised to inform the GTT technicians in New Amsterdam to correct the fault; they came and some work was done after which the line worked for a few days. Every now and then 339 2212 receives calls, and then
the calls are dropped before the conversation is over. My number 339 2212 is my business line and this has had a tremendously negative impact on my business. Since January 2016 to date I’ve been paying rental for non functional services from GT&T. Where do I go from here? I am at my wits’ end after this long wait and no relief. There is a feeling from the technician that the problem is internal and the vibes I’m getting is that technicians are limited. I’d very much appreciate it if you would assist in publishing this letter. Mitra Dudnath
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Tuesday May 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
Babita Sarjou’s relatives ID shoes, clothing found with remains - killers for court today
Almost six years after they killed her and buried her body in a backyard, the husband of Babita Sarjou and his alleged accomplice are to appear in court to be charged with her murder. While the police have obtained a high court order to detain the suspects for another 72 hours, Kaieteur News was told that they are likely to appear in court today. While DNA samples were taken from the remains to confirm identity, relatives of
Sarjou have already identified a pair of shoes and parts of the attire found with the skeleton as belonging to Sarjou. Detectives unearthed Sarjou’s remains around 13:30 hrs on Sunday from an area behind her reputed husband’s Lot 51, Seaforth Street, Campbellville, home. Police said that the reputed husband, Sharadananda Narine, called Anand, and his accomplice, Darel Pronton, called ‘Yankee,’ led them to the spot, lo-
cated behind a zinc fence on the property. They then dug up a skull and almost all the bones, a pair of high-heeled shoes, a brassiere, and bits of clothing from the same spot. Police had hinted at a breakthrough late last week after detaining Narine, a businessman, and Pronton, a 35year-old unemployed man from James and Albouys Street, Albouystown. Evidence against the men allegedly includes statements
The government has signed contracts with Free Balance, the owners of the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMAS), to upgrade the Ministry of Finance’s systems, according to Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan. The Minister said this is
part of a general effort to reorganise the treasury and the management of the public purse. “I think by December we should have the key module that has to do with the preparation of the budget, up and running….” Minister Jordan told the Government Information Agency (GINA) during an interview. A fully functional IFMAS will aid in managing the state’s financial resources through a better recording system, bet-
ter accountability, faster preparation of final and accounting statements, and ultimately the reduction of the possibilities for fraud and corrupt transactions. The Minister also pointed out that it is government’s intention to have all the modules installed this time around. IFMAS was instituted by the former administration in 2004, at a cost of $132M, with the aim of replacing the manual system for the processing of transactions at all government institutions and to reduce the processing time of transactions by linking Ministries, Departments and Regions through a network of computers. However, several modules critical to the proper
and phone calls that Narine made to Pronton with Sarjou’s cell phone shortly after she disappeared. Kaieteur News understands that Sarjou’s husband has stated that he was furious because he suspected that she was having an affair with a man at her workplace. He was also angry that she had taken him to court on allegations that he had posted up nude pictures of her. It is alleged that he hired the unemployed Pronton,
Contract signed to correct IFMAS deficiencies
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan functioning of the system were not installed by the previous administration, sparking criticisms that they were left out deliberately.
whom he had befriended, to kill Sarjou. Pronton was allegedly paid $50,000 and promised a trip to Trinidad. The trip to Trinidad never materialised. It is alleged that on Diwali Night of November 4, 2010, Babita Sarjou left her mother’s home at Timehri, after making arrangements to meet her spouse, Narine, who would take her to see the motorcade at the Kitty seawall. She was also reportedly to meet her four-year-old son. Unknown to Sarjou, Narine and Pronton had already dug her grave in Narine’s Seaforth Street backyard, two days before. Sarjou reportedly met her husband outside the National Cultural Centre and entered his car. It is around this same area that Pronton, who was allegedly sitting in the back seat, strangled Sarjou. With the body covered with a blanket, the two men reportedly then drove to Narine’s Seaforth Street residence. Narine reportedly reversed into the yard, and the men concealed the body in a section of the bottom house, while Pronton remained with the corpse. Around midnight, the two men then took the body to the backyard and threw it over a zinc fence and into the grave that had been dug two weeks earlier. It remained there for close to six years, with detectives reportedly walking within a few feet of the corpse on one occasion, while searching the premises shortly after her dis-
appearance. Police said that the two alleged killers reportedly panicked when police revealed recently that they were reopening their investigation. Narine reportedly enquired from his alleged accomplice if he knew of any substance that could dissolve human bones. While police have received criticism for the way they conducted their investigation during its early stages, an official said that Narine had presented investigators with a strong alibi for his whereabouts at the time his wife had vanished. Kaieteur News was told that things were no less challenging this time around, since Narine came into custody with an attorney. But Kaieteur News was told that police put a lot of preparation into their case before taking the suspects into custody. Speaking about the tedious work the ranks did to crack the case and retrieve the body, the Crime Chief revealed that the suspects had indicated on Saturday where they had buried Sarjou. To ensure that no one tampered with the remains, police kept the premises under surveillance. He said that the grave was located in a flooded area, and the ranks had to pump the water out and also place sandbags. Digging for the body began around 08.00 hrs yesterday and concluded at around 13.50 hrs.
Tuesday May 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
Key Brazil minister steps aside in political scandal (Reuters) - Brazil’s Planning Minister Romero Juca said on Monday he will temporarily step down after a newspaper published recordings of him discussing plans to obstruct the country’s biggest-ever corruption investigation, which includes him among its targets. Juca’s decision to take a leave from his post to defend himself is a huge blow for Interim President Michel Temer, who counted on the experienced senator to secure legislative support for key economic measures and reforms. The new scandal also raises fears of further political instability in Brazil less than two weeks after President Dilma Rousseff was suspended to stand trial in the Senate for allegedly breaking fiscal laws. “Starting from tomorrow, I will step aside,” Juca told a huddle of reporters in the capital Brasilia, following a day of feverish speculation about his political future. In recorded comments made before Rousseff was suspended and published by newspaper Folha de S. Paulo yesterday, Juca told an ally he agreed on the need for a “national pact” to circumscribe the probe known as “Operation Car Wash.” Asked for help by a friend and former senator under in-
Key Brazil minister steps aside in political scandal vestigation in the probe, Jucá replied, “The government has to be changed in order to stop this bleeding.” Juca and other ministers in Temer’s new government are under investigation for their participation in a massive graft scheme at state-run oil company Petrobras. At a press conference earlier yesterday, Juca voraciously defended himself. He said what was published was taken out of context and denied he was trying to interfere with the investigation into Petroleo Brasileiro SA. A trained economist with over 20 years in the Senate,
Juca was a key member of Temer’s new economic team that is racing to approve a new fiscal target this week to avoid a government shutdown in June. Juca was seen as a crucial negotiator to approve a series of economic measures in Congress aimed at rescuing investors’ confidence in the oncebooming Brazilian economy. New Finance Minister Henrique Meirelles will announce on Tuesday some of those measures to include limits to public spending to close a widening fiscal gap that cost Brazil its coveted investmentgrade rating.
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Tuesday May 24, 2016
Tuesday May 24, 2016
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Mash should be for the entire family One of the bands that will be participating in this year’s Mash Day Parade had a launch recently. That turned out to be wishful thinking. The launch consisted of a woman and a man on stage doing things that are better left for the bedroom. It seems as if Guyanese are in for the same type of Mash Day revelries as in the past when parents had to cover the eyes of their small children because of the skimpy clothing worn by some revelers. It was hoped that with the postponing of Mash from February to May that there would have been enough time for this national festival to have been re- conceptualized. Mash needed a change in focus. Mash had descended to a ‘wining’ competition. There was little concern for the fact that this is supposed to be a family event. There were attempts in the past to try to change this. The Christian churches attempted to get involved to show how Mash could be clean and yet be fun. They were swept away by a tidal wave of ‘wining and backballing.’ The churches called it quits after the second year. There was little regard for the fact that young children were in the stands and along the parade route viewing the event. The complaints about
the lewdness were disregarded. There was no attempt to change it. It was hoped that with a new government and the shift in date by three months, Guyanese could have looked forward to a ‘cleaner’ Mash. There was nothing clean by what was seen at the launching of that band. It was utter lewdness on display. It was all about who could ‘wine’ better than the other. Guyana’s national day is being celebrated by a parade that features a great deal of anti- family gyrations. Is this how Guyanese intend to define themselves? Nations Days must have activities in which entire families can participate. It should not be about ‘ adult’ entertainment alone. Parents must feel comfortable taking their children to the parade. They must not fear that their children will be exposed to lewdness. Why should Mash be celebrated as it was in the past? Is this the image that Guyana wants to present to the outside world as the country celebrates the 50th anniversary of Independence? Is this the best we can do for the thousands who paid good money to return home for the ‘jubilee’? They want a good show, a clean show. Guyana should do better. We do not have to be copycats and provide to the rest
Dem boys seh...
Scampish Jagdeo get ketch Old people seh everything you do in de dark does come to light. De old scamps in de PPP never believe it was true. Is now dem finding out that everything dem do come to light. Concession is a big word. It mean getting gifts wha worth big money fuh nutten. De first set of concessions that scamp Jagdeo give was to he best friend. Dem boys get just a li’l peep of de concessions that Jagdeo give away to BaiShan and wha find inside mek dem don’t even want to know what was given from 2006 to 2012. Dem boys seh that was de real period when Jagdeo start to get rich. That was when he seh he sell Pradoville One and build de $600 million mansion in Pradoville Two. De media did ask him a number of times to explain how he came about acquiring that kind of money fuh build such a king’s palace. He tell dem he got Chinee relatives in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong and his name should a be Jag Knee instead of Jagdeo. Donald should a be Dun Dee instead of Dummy. Sam should a be Sam Knee instead of Blind Knee. De kind of concession dem give to de BaiShan is either they were dumb or they were well paid. And only one of dem dumb and he poor. Figure wha went on. De concession dem get according to de Customs tariff, two items –de 2 billion pail paint and de one billion ton cement coulda run this country for 40 years. De taxes come up to US$60 billion using US$100 per ton fuh cement and US$40 per pair of paint. Guyana 2016 budget is less than US$1.5B. Do de Maths. Who in dem righted sense would do something like this? Only Jagdeo. He is de smart fly who gun get ketch in that thing under de cow tail very soon. Talk half and wait fuh that thing that does come out under de same cow tail, to hit de roof.
of the Region how GT people could ‘wine’. It is utterly disgusting that on a day when the entire nation should be celebrating a once – and for other twice - in a lifetime event that this is the image that Guyana is presenting to the rest of the world. There are many important persons will most likely becoming to Guyana as guests
of the people of Guyana. Is this the type of parade that we want them to see or do we want to give this something better that people in skimpy clothing ‘wining’, ‘grinding’, ‘backballing’ and exposing too much of skin and cleavage? Will local music be played or will instead the parade revelers be moving towards the
music from the land of calypso and the reggae capital of the Caribbean? Will the parade reflect Guyanese culture? Or will it reflect the fact that instead if trying to find and express our own identity we are substituting what we see in Trinidad and Brazil can copycatting it? Guyanese must decide what Mash is about. They
must decide how important it is to them. If it is important, it may still not be late to make the parade just that, a parade rather than a ‘wining’ session.
GMC audit findings… Action
must be taken pending an investigation - RPA/AC
Following the recent revelations in the forensic audit report into the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), stakeholders are expressing concern that the man who presided over that entity, now heads another. According to the Rice Producers Association- Action Committee (RPA-AC), it is “frightening” to think that Nizam Hassan, once the General Manager of New GMC, is now the interim General Manager of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB). “Mr. Hassan’s (purported) actions at the New Marketing Corporation (reflect) are a pattern of behaviour (which) has caused the rice industry to be on the verge of collapsing following the contracts that were signed for sale of rice to Jamaica.” This is a reference to two agreements which were signed between GRDB, the Jamaica Rice Milling Company Limited and Musson (Jamaica) Limited. Both companies had agreed to import a total of 80,000 tonnes of rice from Guyana this year. In the face of withering criticism –members of the board protested about not being consulted before the contract was signed- management had contended that its agreement with the two Jamaican companies would organize rice supplies to Jamaica and prevent under pricing. Co- Chairman of the RPAAC Jinnah Rahman made it clear that the magnitude of the allegations made it necessary for measures to be taken in order to avert a miscarriage of the probe and possibly justice. “It is highly improper for a government, having commissioned an expensive forensic audit paid for by taxpayers, not to at least suspend (principals),” Rahman stated. The forensic audit conducted into the operations at the GMC from January 2012 to May 2015 had revealed troubling findings, including the fact that millions of dollars in unauthorized payments were made from the GMC fertilizer account to other agencies. According to the audi-
RPA/AC Co-Chairman Jinnah Rahman
GRDB General Manager, Nizam Hassan tor, Saykar A. Boodhoo, the entire fertilizer programme appeared to have been formulated to dodge financial accountability laws and to provide funding to multiple agencies, in a manner similar to how a slush fund operates. The auditor also reported that then GMC General Manager, Nizam Hassan, had refused to provide the auditor with certain information, thus hampering him from properly auditing the fertilizer programme transactions. “My conclusion is that the accounting practice at GMC shows that the General Manager and the Accountant
did not provide any meaningful fiduciary responsibility when any payment originated from the Minister of Agriculture or the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture.” “GMC’s General Manager and the Accountant acted more like rubber stamps when payments dealt with transactions originating from the Ministry of Agriculture.” Since being commissioned last year, forensic audits into state agencies have cost over $133M. They have so far unearthed a magnitude of offences and irregularities, with some including the New
GMC audit actually recommending that the police intervene. A number of officials including at the Guyana Oil Company; the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and at the Guyana Water Inc. have been sent home with their contracts terminated or not renewed. There have been cases where officials like Winston Brassington of the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL) and Aeshwar Deonarine of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), have actually left the country following unsavory revelations within their agencies.
Missing Spring Garden farmer found floating in Supenaam A post mortem examination is expected to be performed sometime on Tuesday on the remains of Harry Dyal Basdeo’s decomposed body which was retrieved some time on Monday with suspected marks, in the Supenaam Creek area. Dyal went missing last Friday and ever since his relatives have mobilised an intense search for the missing man. An examination to assist in concluding Dyal’s death was prompted after his family revealed that the remains of the deceased bore visible marks which are suggesting he may have taken a fatal blow. The unmarried 45-year- old is a resident of Spring Gardens but according to information, Dyal farmed at Supenaam Creek several miles away from his home. On Friday, however, his family became increasingly alarmed after Dyal failed to return to his Spring Garden,
Essequibo Coast home. A search was launched for the farmer and it eventually led to the discovery of his decomposed body. Dyal was said to be unmarried without children. The bachelor did farming for a living and would sometimes buy and sell to residents on the Essequibo Coast. Dyal’s boat and engine were also recovered. Just over a month ago, relatives of a missing Pomeroon River man were able to recover his mutilated body miles away from the Pomeroon River only after a neighbour told the police that the man was not missing but instead he was murdered. The police acting on that information were able to recover the mutilated body in a black plastic bag in a clump of bushes. Arrests were similarly made and the accused are currently on $2M dollars bail. (Yannason Duncan).
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Tuesday May 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
One year of Coalition power: Predictions I am going to write on things that I have evidence which I can use to confront my detractors. There are sycophantic souls in this country that would shout from the rooftop of the good things Cheddi Jagan’s party did from 1992. There are misplaced souls whose heads are buried in the sand so they will cuss you down if you tell them that President Burnham damaged Guyana extensively because of his obsession with power. There are folks out there who think Mr. Granger is the President for the future and
all praise must be given to the Coalition Government. Those emotional outpourings have no intellectual connections. The realities of Guyana paint a completely different portrait. In assessing how far we have come since May 1966, the Coalition Government will naturally escape harsh critiques because it has not contributed to the barrenness of this society since 1966. But are there signs that the coalition Government will not be the super-hero that the people of this country so desperately need and that I refer to as Nietzsche Übermensche.
The indications after one year in office are not only disappointing but extremely disturbing. Let’s look at the facts, the naked, graphic evidence of a government that looks like it will spend its five year mandate in the bonfires of the banalities. First, one of the main omissions in Guyana’s development drive is lack of a manufacturing base. I go to the supermarket almost daily and I am sickened to the core of my soul that Guyana imports milk from a country that is an ultra-modern manufacturing and indus-
trial giant - Germany. Countries that are highly developed industrial societies without the kind of agricultural space we have, export milk to Guyana. The list includes Holland and France. Holland is 16,000 square miles; Guyana is 83,000. So what did Guyana do in 2016? Instead of taking the vast Durban Park Square and put down some kind of manufacturing plant or remedial schools or some kind of economic project, we have utilized the land to build stands to celebrate the Golden Jubilee. What happens after? The cows and homeless people move in; a waste of precious money. The second factor is eerie and indicates that irrationality may have already stepped in. This government has lost its way already. It is simply mentally devastating to the people of Guyana that had lovely dreams of liberation after 2015. The University of Guyana using state funds, will offer a ten percent increase to four of the five highest paid officials who were employed within the past two years at international market rates. Yet to date there is no movement on staff salaries including cat-
egories of employees whose income cry out for elevation; we are talking about the nonacademic staff and the underpaid academics. It is the largest indication to date that we are seeing the continuation of anti-working class elite rule that has been with us since colonial days Thirdly, after only six months into its life, the new government prepared an amendment to the marriage law. That legislation stipulates that a person must be in Guyana 14 days before he/ she can marry. The Tourism Minister will soon take the amendment to Parliament. But nowhere on the horizon is there any change to our divorce laws which were enacted in 1933. Under that legislation, to get a decree nisi, the applicant for a divorce must offer the judge one of three reasons – domestic abuse, desertion of the marital home; infidelity. If the partners want to dissolve the union for another reason, the court will not accept it because the law does not provide for any other explanation. The law compels you to lie in a court of law. I haven’t done the research but I doubt any modern democratic country has a
Frederick Kissoon divorce Bill which compels petitioner to lie to a judge Fourthly, President Granger says that there is no amendment to the marijuana law on the government’s legislative agenda. What this means is that you can still go to jail for being in possession of a smoking utensil. Fifthly, there isn’t even a shadow of change on the horizon with our libel laws. The Prime Minister was a practising journalist who got sued by Prime Minister Forbes Burnham and under our outdated libel laws, the party newspaper, The Mirror, had to pay substantial damages. The question is; will he retire (as is expected in 2020) without modernizing our libel legislation. Those are the indications in the first year of the Coalition in power that we may not be going in modern directions in the near or immediate future.
Tuesday May 24, 2016
PAGE 11
Kaieteur News
Plumbers accused of robbing Forged doctors’ signatures push woman after trailing her Medical Council to warn doctors ...protect registration stamps from city bank …remanded to prison Kempton Glenn
Robin Holder Two men, who allegedly followed a woman from a city bank and robbed her, were yesterday refused bail when they appeared in the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court charged with robbery under-arms. Kempton Glenn, 24, of Lot 124 East La Penitence and Robin Holder, 25, of Lot 13 North East La Penitence pleaded not guilty to the charges read to them by Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul. It is alleged that on May 19, last, at Atlantic Ville, East Coast Demerara while armed with a gun, the men who are both plumbers, robbed Marlyn Brumigin of $180,000 cash. It is also alleged that on the same day, while armed with a gun they robbed Stacy Ashby of a quantity of items valuing $180,000. According to reports, the men followed Brumigin to her Atlantic Ville home all the way from a city bank and pounced on her. Police said that about 14:00hrs last Thursday Brumigin was about to enter her home after transacting business at a bank, when she was held at gunpoint by two men, one of whom was armed with a handgun, and who had ridden up on a motorcycle. The woman reportedly raised an alarm, but the men took away a bag containing cash. However, as the men were about to escape, neighbours and two off duty policemen confronted the perpetrators and snatched away the stolen bag with money. It was reported that the bandits still tried to ride away but were stopped when a motorist drove into them.
Glenn and Holder were also charged with being in possession of an illegal pistol along with nine live rounds of ammunition. Attorney, Moti Singh represented the defendants. He told the court that his clients have no knowledge of the crime. In fact, Singh said that on the day in question, the defendants were returning home from work when they were arrested by police. The lawyer argued that the men were never placed on identification parades neither were they taken for medical attention for injuries they received as a result of them being hit by a car. Further, Singh stated that the defendants were never charged before. However, Police Prosecutor David Goodridge opposed bail for the defendants. He argued that the men are wanted for similar matters in Georgetown and were charged before for armed robbery. Goodridge pointed out that the men were caught red handed in the act after trailing the women from the bank. He also pointed out that should the defendants be released on bail there is a likelihood that they will commit other robberies and tamper with the prosecution’s witnesses since they know where they reside. According to the Prosecutor, police are currently in possession of the stolen cash, motorcycle and unlicensed firearm. Goodridge indicated that he is still awaiting the findings of an analyst report on the firearm. This matter has been adjourned until June 27.
Instances of fraudulent activities have prompted the Guyana Medical Council to issue an advisory to licensed medical practitioners to make use of their respective registration numbers. According to an advertisement in one of the daily newspapers yesterday, “The Medical Council of Guyana wishes to advise all medical practitioners completing legal documents such as prescriptions, NIS, Death Registration forms and Sick Leave forms to affix their registration number under their signature.” Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, said that the issuance of the advisory is part of an effort to strengthen the process by encouraging medical practitioners to be compliant and not only rely on their signatures but their registration numbers’ stamp as well. But this should have been a practice that all registered medical practitioners were long adhering to, according to the Chief Medical Officer, an ex officio member of the Council. “The law requires this. Everybody is assigned a number...because the signatures can vary slightly,” said Dr. Persaud as he added that “there have been a few instances where signatures were questionable.” He disclosed that it was because of reported acts of forgery that the Medical Council opted to issue individual number stamps to the medical practitioners of the country. “There were several matters with NIS forms, with prescriptions, with different things where people try to forge signatures of doctors,” said Dr. Persaud.
And according to the CMO, forging a doctor’s signature warrants police action. But Dr. Persaud admitted, “Many times we cannot identify who the forging person is. I remember a couple of years back, about 10 to 15 years ago, that my signature was forged on a leave certificate sent to NIS. So this is a measure that we are putting in place.” “People are always looking for easy opportunities to get what they want,” considered Dr. Persaud. Although he was unable to share the specific number of cases that the Ministry is aware of, he added, “There are always alleged cases.” “Sometimes it is the client but we don’t always know who within the system can do that...so what we are doing is asking the medical practitioners to keep their stamps secured and always affix them after they sign,” said Dr. Persaud. Even police reports that require the signatures of doctors, according to him, will have to be monitored since “people could add anything...” “We need to be able to track the doctors and NIS and some other places have a system where they can track the gazetted doctors and their
Dr. Shamdeo Persaud numbers so if they see a number and a signature and need to query something, they can call the doctors and validate what they see,” Dr. Persaud asserted. A qualified physician must be registered by the Guyana Medical Council to be recognised. This registration process simply recognizes the individual as meeting the requirements recognised as those of a qualified physician entitled to independently practise human medicine whilst using the title of medical doctor. Their licences can only be obtained by persons who are included in the register having met the qualifications to be registered and being afforded a registration stamp.
PAGE 12
Tuesday May 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
Govt. to get IMF help to review VAT - Finance Minister The Government of Guyana (GoG) will be getting assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre (CARTAC), to conduct an assessment of the country’s current 16 percent Value Added Tax (VAT). Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, made this disclosure, yesterday, at a press conference at the Finance Ministry, in Georgetown yesterday. VAT will eventually be reduced, he said. However, the government is looking at it in a careful manner.
Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan
The government’s Tax Reform Committee (TRC), earlier this year had made several recommendations with regards to the reduction of the Value Added Tax. These proposals include that the VAT should be reduced from the current 16 percent to 14 percent with an intermediate rate of seven percent added. Quizzed on why the administration has made no move to implement this recommendation, Jordan stated that the recommendation that was made by the committee is “nothing new”. “It merely follows on the promise that the government
had made to reduce VAT. Now there are various options for reducing this VAT. What we will want to do is to have the widest possible consultation because some of the options will involve putting the VAT on some things that could cause trouble,” he said. He added that by making a reduction, the government will have to expand the base – remove the VAT exemptions from some items – on which the VAT is applied, so as to recoup revenue-loss as a result of the reduction. The CARTAC team, he said, is expected to arrive in Guyana shortly. He said that the team will not only conduct the assessment, but also carry out the quantitative work of Guyana’s Tax Reform Committee and make recommendations for the way forward on VAT. “They (CARTAC) are going to send a one or two-person mission to do a complete assessment of our VAT, where it is today including options for changes into the system so it is on the cards. I don’t see it happening before the next budget. It would be extremely difficult to just bring in a VAT reduction in the
middle (or) half of the year as such, when our budget anyhow, is not based on that,” he said. During the 2015 General Elections, A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition, had promised to reduce the VAT. VAT was introduced on the January 1, 2007 in Guyana as part of the then Government’s plan, to modernise and streamline the taxation system. The concept of VAT was invented in the 1950s. It is
now in operation, in one form or another, in more than 120 countries worldwide. Meanwhile, countries in the Caribbean region face similar problems in meeting the standards of economic and financial governance expected of them by their citizens, and by domestic and international investors. CARTAC was created to help develop skills in the specialized areas required to design and implement measures to meet these standards at both the national and regional levels.
PAHO calls for a comprehensive cancer prevention program The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) believes that a comprehensive prevention programme is necessary in the fight against cancer, which is the third leading cause of death in Guyana. According to the Health@50 in Guyana: Progress Health Report 19662016 released by the organization Guyana has no comprehensive cancer prevention, treatment and control programme, despite the disease being the third leading cause of death. Fifty percent of countries in the Americas, like Guyana, do not have any cancer programmes. PAHO/WHO Representative Dr. William Adu-Krow had indicated that 40 percent of all cancers globally can be prevented, while 30 percent can be cured altogether. He had stressed the need for more preventative measures and screening. The report indicated that last December, PAHO supported the Ministry of Public Health to conduct a situation analysis of cancer prevention, treatment and control as a precondition to the development of a National Cancer Plan. The second step is for the statistics collected from the consultancy to be utilized, and for the key stakeholders assembled to develop the plan and proceed with the establishment of the comprehensive programme. It noted that incidences of cancer have increased from 1995, where 37 cases were reported. In1996 and 1997, reported neoplasm cases were 64 and 125 respectively. There have been no other records of cancer data found apart from the comprehensive database of the Guyana Cancer Registry, which was established in May 2000, and contained data from 2000-2013. These figures were collected from all public and private institutions. From 2000-
2012, there were 8,153 cancers recorded in the registry’s database; 6,518 cancers were recorded for a growing incidence of 867.7— which translates into an average annual incidence of 86.7 per 100,000 populations. PAHO indicated further that there were progressive annual increases in the numbers of cancers which peaked in 2007 and began fluctuating afterwards. The report denoted that females were affected 1.54 times more than males, with 3,956 and 2,561 cancers respectively. It added that approximately one-fifth of all cancers were found in persons aged 75 years and older, with the second most affected age group was persons aged 1539 years with 597 (11%) of cancers. Only two per cent of all recorded cancers were found in the paediatric age group (age less than 15 years). In the 1990s some amount of screening of women attending gynaecological clinics with Pap smear, were conducted. However, it was limited in scope and lacked promotion, the report added. In 2009, Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) screening of women attending antenatal clinics commenced. In addition to screening through staining of the cervix and surrounding vaginal vault with acetic acid, suspicious lesions were also treated with cryotherapy, while patients with gross lesions were referred for further evaluation and treatment. In all, some 19 VIA clinics were established and data on all persons accessing this service was compiled. Data from 2013-2015 have revealed that 7,572 women were screened at the Georgetown Public Hospital clinic, with 7,544 having data entered. The vast majority of those screened were of AfroGuyanese descent.
Tuesday May 24, 2016
PAGE 21
Kaieteur News
Land Court Judge robbery...
Defence presents closing arguments
Decomposed body left in house for four days after discovery The home where the body was discovered.
- accuses police of framing defendant - claims ID parades were flawed
Nicholas Narine Attorney Adrian Thompson made closing arguments following the closure of the defence’s case when the trial of the five men accused of robbing Land Court Judge Nicola Pierre continued before Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul in the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court. Yesterday, the lawyer was very vocal in accusing the police of framing one of his clients. Counsel argued that his clients had no involvement in the robbery since they were at home. Thompson also argued that no proper description of his clients were given by the victims in the matter and pointed out that the identification parades done via Skype were flawed. Warren Mc Kenzie, 22, of Lot 18 Brutus Street, Agricola; Damien Millington, 22, of Lot 118 Caesar Street, Agricola; Nicholas Narine, 18, also of Caesar Street Agricola; Premnauth Samaroo and Anthony David, 28 of 63 Hadfield Street, Stabroek are jointly facing five charges. The first charge alleges that on July 9, 2015 at Montrose, East Coast Demerara (ECD), the men being in the company of others and armed with a handgun, robbed Mohamed Chand of five wrist watches, a Samsung Galaxy S5 phone, US$8,000, a wedding ring, four Oakley sunglasses and one leather wallet. The second charge alleges that the intruders robbed Pierre at gunpoint on the same day. She was allegedly relieved of a several gold rings, diamond jewellery, a clump of gold, a quantity of
Anthony David
Damien Millington gem stones among other items, all totaling about $1M. In addition, the men are also charged with discharging a loaded firearm at Ron Peters- a security guard on duty at the Land Court judge’s home when the robbery occurred. The defendants are also accused of feloniously wounding Pierre and her husband Mohamed Chand. They have pleaded not guilty to the charges and are currently on remand. Attorney Thompson has been representing Samaroo, Narine and David throughout the trial which commenced on January 11. The other two defendants are still unrepresented. During his closing arguments, Thompson submitted that Prosecutor, Attorney Nigel Hughes has failed to lead evidence to convict his clients for the offences. As such, he asked that the court find them not guilty. As it relates to
Samaroo, the lawyer told the court that police framed his client. He added that the prosecution led evidence to support that this defendant was arrested in front of the Sparendaam Police Station and that he was identified by Ron Peters. Thompson argued that the description Peters gave of Samaroo in his statement to police is insufficient for someone to properly identify his client. “Samaroo was first charged. If you look at Samaroo and compared him to the description in his (Peters) statement…It could not have been Samaroo.” The Attorney added that the witnesses who testified in his client’s defence gave testimonies which supported a statement his client had given to police. Thompson added, “I cannot see why he was charged with felonious wounding and the statement does not support the offence. There is no evidence that Premnauth Samaroo assaulted with intent to maim, disable or disfigure any of the virtual complainants.” He continued, “I am asking this court to find the defendant not guilty for this offence because the prosecution has failed to lead evidence beyond a reasonable doubt.” Nicholas Narine, the lawyer stated, was picked out by the Land Court Judge and her husband on an identification parade held at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary via Skype video call. Thompson urged the court to place no (Continued on page 24)
The decomposed body of an East Canje man was discovered Friday evening by residents of No. 2 East Canje, Berbice area, who reported a foul smell emanating from a house in the area. The 74-year-old retired Headmaster Henry Ramlokhan Gobin who was described as very reserved and quiet, was last seen alive by relatives three weeks ago. According to information disclosed by relatives of the deceased, they were given permission to bury the man on Friday but were told that there was no one available to dig the grave. Relatives said that the body was iced and left in the home. Paul Gobin, 43, the dead man’s nephew added that he was subsequently told by the police on Saturday that they could not bury the dead because a post mortem has to be conducted. “They supposed to find somewhere to put da dead cause da smell ain’t nice at all and is people living hay and gotta deal wid da stink smell everyday till dey move he”. Family members added that they were told by police that no pathologist was available to perform the PM examination until Monday. “Dem seh Monday, doctor gon come from town to cut de dead right in da stink house deh. Now Monday come and dem seh dat doctor gotta cut dead in town and can’t come. Leh we wait! How dey could tell we wait and da dead stinking up this whole place hay?” Meanwhile, distraught residents were forced to move from the area due to the smell. One resident said that he sent his eightyear- old daughter to stay with her grandmother due the smell.
East Canje resident Henry Gobin “Me can’t see how police get this dead man hay suh lika duh with people living in dis place suh. Me send me daughter away cause she can’t sleep! De place stink stink! How will we live like dis?” One young couple residing opposite the dead man’s home relocated after the discovery was made. Three other families living in the street have relocated due to the smell. According to police sources, Funeral Parlors are barred from accepting decomposed bodies due to health issues. Decomposed bodies when found, are immediately examined and then buried.
PPP heaps praises on Crime... From page 13 go,” Rohee noted. The implicit references to the former Crime Chief, now Commissioner, is in direct contrast to sentiments expressed by Rohee just before Persaud took over the helm of the Guyana Police Force. This newspaper recalled a function just before Persaud's predecessor, Leroy Brumell, demitted office, and which was attended by several senior stakeholders, including the Director of Public Prosecution and the Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority. At that function, Rohee expressed confidence in Persaud, when he told the gathering that he was satisfied that Seelall Persaud had the knowledge and experience to carry out the functions of Commissioner of Police and to take the organization forward in a positive way. Some senior police officers, who came to the Commissioner's defence, following Rohee's pronouncements yesterday, said that that is exactly what Persaud is doing. They lashed out at Rohee and the previous administration for not taking training of
police investigators seriously, which they say is what is leading to the success that the force is presently enjoying. Kaieteur News understands that the present government upon assuming office last year accepted a two-year training programme for detectives, under the Canada-based Justice Education Society, following discussions with the administration of the Force. This has provided extensive training, which is incorporated with a Forensic Video Analysis Unit, the first of its kind in the Caribbean. In addition, the police were provided with an investigative software to track the status of investigations; something that is very useful to the CID. “Blanhum happens to be the Crime Chief when all these things are happening. He is also being guided by the same Commissioner that Rohee is criticizing,” a senior police official told Kaieteur News last evening. Yesterday, the PPP General Secretary cautioned, though, that at all times police investigators must uphold the ethics and rules of good professional policing.
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Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities -$41M –Call: 6629335; 612-3244
Golden Jubilee Sale: Reduced Prices!! 2007 Nissan BlueBird -$2.4M, 2007 Toyota Rush $2.9M, 2003 Toyota Verossa -$3.3M. Call: 609-3650; 2268953; 226-1973 Golden Jubilee Sale: Reduced Prices!! 2005 Toyota Raum $2.3M, 2006 Mazda Axela $2.3M, 2008 Toyota Hiace $3.3M. Call: 609-3650; 2268953; 226-1973 Golden Jubilee Sale: Reduced Prices!! 2005 Toyota Premio $2.5M, 2005 Toyota Allion $2.4M, 2007 Toyota Rav4 $6M. Call: 609-3650; 2268953; 226-1973 1 Leyland DAF LF HIAB truck 5 ton HIAB new, hardly used GTT 2960 -$4M. Call: 622-6746 1 FUSO Crane GTT 20 -$4M; 1 HINO ranger wrecker GVV1890 -$4M, 1 HIAB Canter GTT 7140 -$3.5M.(negotiable)Call:622-6746 1 Toyota Allion ( black) year 2003, reversed camera, alarm, PPP series, excellent condition. Call: 691-0592 Hatch Back Axela, fully loaded, low mileage, PS series -$1.850M. Call: 648-4994 Unregistered Toyota Allion 2005: dark interior, HID lights, rose light - $2.2M negotiableCall: 617-5536 AT192, 212, Allion, Premio, Hilux Surf, BRR, RZ & Pitbull, Pajero Junior, Spacio: Cash / terms- Call:680-3154 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154
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: 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
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Vreed-en-Hoop Junction: church, office, lessons place, storage bond, private school, others -$20,000- Call: 603-6400 Shop for rent in Lethem 2850sqft front line- Call: 6257171 1 Exclusive Three bedrooms apartment @ First Bridge Diamond -$70,000. Call: 2255533; 225-5258; 615-2622 Bottom flat for business situated in prime business area @ Robb Street Bourda. Call: 226-1647 1-2 Bedroom apartment for rent at MonRepos North, E.C.D -$60,000 Call: 688-6005; 692-9295 Fully furnished 2 storey house with 3 AC bedrooms, security & sensor lights, etc at Gated Community. Call: 685-5845; 668-8714; 612-3400
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.
TO LET Apartments for rent @ Nandy Park, recently renovated with free Wi-Fi, fully tiled -$70,000. Call: 2275194
Corner property in Grove, 1 block from Main Road- Flat House, price negotiable. Call: 1905-626-2572
Semi furnished top flat in Wortmanville, single person or couple. Call: 616-2445 between 9:00am-6:00pm
1-3 Storey wooden concrete building @ Mc Doom Public Road, next to Gas Station serious offers only. No Agents: 699-4486
Newly constructed 2 bedrooms apartment and 3 bedrooms house in safe & healthy environment- Call: 698-6496; 622-6512
Need help acquiring a home then contact Pacific Development Inc. “Making Dreams Realty”. Call: 2236035 CAR RENTAL
1 Nail technician preferably from East Bank –Call: 265-3586
PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM
Republic Park family needs an experienced caregiver between ages 45-55, live in, 1 week on 1 week off-$13,000. Call: 667-2535
Experienced Drivers with mini bus and hire car licence, also contract vehicles. Call: 6228350 Porters to work at Grocery Stall @ Stabroek Market. Call: 226-9800
VEHICLE FOR SALE
Toyota Hilux 5L Diesel Engine, stick gear 18” mag rims. Call: 6929577; 229-2379
DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM
Pump Attendants. Call/Text/ Whatsapp: 627-2550
TAXI SERVICES GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)
Tuesday May 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
LEARN TO DRIVE Soman, Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997
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
One front house and one 2 storey back house for sale @ 180 Charlotte Street Bourda. Call: 226-5183; 227-6817; 6247341 EDUCATIONAL $20,000 Discount For CXC 2016 Student, 9 Course Diploma in Computers @ MicroGraphics, Vreed-EnHoop/Parika. Call: 264-3057 Computerized Accounting 4 Courses $35,000.00, PCRepairs $35,000, Graphics Courses $35,000@ MicroGraphics, Vreed-EnHoop/Parika. Call: 264-3057
TOURS Jubilee Visitors: river tours, city tours, airport/ out of town trips, Suriname tour – Call:639-2663; 665-5171; 6927270; 223-0056 Santa Misssion, Capoey Lake, Marshall Rapids. Call Joy: 218-1285; 649-9059 FOR SALE/RENT American pool table - Call: 277-0578 (Continued on page 23)
Tuesday May 24, 2016
PAGE 23
Kaieteur News
I will ignore Kit Nascimento’s slander DEAR EDITOR; I read Kit’s letter and wanted to establish Just for the public record, I do not have any conflict with Kit Nascimento, neither at a personal nor at a professional level. I therefore find his words quite sharp and riveting for a man who is supposedly just doing his professional work as a PR consultant for the Correia family. I however, do Agree with Kit; Mike Correia is a is one of the “ Finest CEOs “ that is why I had personally agree to support his appointment as the chairman of the private company’s OAI board. It is important to note that the EFC Airport Board of directors was never established. What is unfortunate is
that I also thought I could have trusted him to run the affairs of our company OAI while I was busy over the years struggling to build and transform Roraima Airways which was a newly start up company. I in fact was too trusting of him which I now know was a massive mistake When I finally discovered and understand what Mike was doing it was too late. He had already outsmarted us by cleverly maneuvering his family and friends into the shareholding of our company, OAI, with the clear objective of taking over our company and cleverly dominating the day to day operations of the airport, thereby creating the most unhealthy and acrimoniously anti com-
THE REASONS THE PEOPLE VOTED... From page 4 spiraling crime wave that is spreading like wild fire through the country. BARBADOS has done that. 3- if the concerns are so deep for the good health of the Guyanese population, please devise a plan to reduce the stress level of the citizens. We all know the conse-
quences of high stress levels. The effect stress has on the human body and soul is terrible. Please help the people of Guyana. That is the only reason they voted you in; to improve their economic positions, and to satisfy their health and safety concerns. Muhammad Raoof USA
Mr. E. B John should not inject politics.... From page 4 be a combination of both ‘across-the-board increases’ to take care of inflationary factors, dilution of purchasing power, the expectations of the public servants which have been raised by governmental comments etc while the discussions proceed with the Unions on performance based increases to take care of differential individual performances. ( As I hinted in my earlier letter, that is what we
did when I successfully led the multi-year, multi-union negotiations for DDL some years ago). In the currently evolving situation with the Guyana Public Service, the Government seems to be facing the proverbial ‘can of worms’, which, as I also said in my referenced letter, would require patient engagement, much goodwill and less historical hang-ups on all sides. Nowrang Persaud
petitive environment I have ever witness in my 40 years as a professional aviator. I wish to acknowledge that I was not as smart as Mike Correia nor was I as alert as I should have been. He is probable a better business man than I am since I lack the basic killer instinct to be shrewd and ruthless. Kit went on to cast assertions that my own achievements were accomplished by political patronage while the development of Ogle was clear of such political favors. Well, I would not even dignify Kit Nascimento’s slanderous assertions with a reply but only to say the following 1. Once again it leaves me to question his professional conduct. 2. I wish to make it very clear that Kit Nassimento was not around the five original investors at the time we were conceptualizing the development strategy for OAI. He therefore is in no position to comment on the lack of “political patronage” as a contribution to the development of ogle airport. 3. I do not expect him to know the details and the behind the Scenes work that was done. 4. I do not expect him to know that the five of us was given the exclusive privilege of leasing the Ogle airport, not because of the Correia’s family wealth, but because of the diversity of who each of us was individually and what we represented as competitors giving the Government the comfort and assurance that the airport would be operated in a fair and equitable manner, where all of us would have equal say maintaining the balance since we were also fierce competitors. 5. Unfortunately what has evolved and what in fact is obtained today is far removed from what the expectation was when the airport was leased to us. As I close this letter,
A glaring social cohesion contradiction DEAR EDITOR; UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova stated: “The enemies of human rights always attack cultural diversity which symbolizes the freedom to be and to think, and which is unbearable to them. On this day, let us dare to respond to them collectively …” The occasion was “World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development” which was celebrated last Saturday and was marked publicly with an advertisement in “Kaieteur News” which I expect was paid for
with state funds by the Guyana Government. Also featured were a quote from Mahatma Gandhi and an extract from the works of French ethnologist Claude Levi Strauss which stated that if we are to safeguard the vitality of our societies, we must “preserve at the very least the living memory of irreplaceable customs, practices and knowhow that should not be allowed to disappear.” Messages from the Minister of Social Cohesion Amna Ally and the Minister within the Ministry of Education
Nicolette Henry were also featured in the advertisement that aimed to celebrate Guyana’s cultural diversity. Except that the only ethnic group that was given space for a message was ACDA. The advertisement, therefore, actually shows the lack of social cohesion and/or the privilege afforded to one group over every other. I hope that UNESCO notes the exclusion of over 60 percent of Guyana’s diverse ethnic population on a day that was specifically designed to celebrate all the various peoples and cultures of the world. Ryhaan Shah
which I hope is the final letter I would need to write on this subject, let me simply established the following facts. 1. EFC Airport is a Government of Guyana facility which is leased to a private company called OAI with strict expectations on the part of Government. 2. OAI was meant to operate the airport in a fair and equitable manner by appointing a management team that was professionally competent and very importantly, totally impartial. 3. The fact that 9 of the 10 local aircraft operators at the airport has expressed unequivocally their lack of confidence in the management of the airport to be fair and impartial speaks for itself. 4. Airports by their very nature are regulatory, therefore, It a totally unacceptable situation to have one competitor regulating his competitors. The business of a country’s international airport is not like any regular company, airports must be managed by impartial managers. The quantum of Shareholding should never give one operator more rights over the other operators who are their competitors. Aviation related Investors must be assured of the security of their investment but they cannot be allow to run the day to day operations of the airport because of the clear conflict of interest and disadvantage to the other airport aviation operators. OAI as a private company that no longer has the moral standing of impartiality to continue with the privilege of managing a public asset (EFC International Airport) in the public interest in an equitable and fair manner. ECF Airport belongs to the people of Guyana and we must never forget that fact. Our Government need to establish a national airport authority under which the management of our country’s international airports must operate. Captain Gerry Gouveia. CEO. Roraima Airways Arrowpoint Resort Duke Lodge Roraima Residence Inn
From page 22
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY-$19,000PERPOUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Toyota Hilux Vigo, ex cab 4WD, gas, 2700cc, 2TR Auto cc, 2006. Call: 616-5595; 6740434 One complete 6" Dredge for sale. Call: 667-7512; 625-9358 Rotweiler pups - 622-6646/ 652-8511 Brand New: 1-21 gal air compressor, 2- 12 ton press,220 ton press, 2-3 ton floor jack, 3- 10" miter saw. Call: 264-1538; 667-7405 Brand New: 3- 12" Miter saw, 5- air hose (50ft), 2-hand truck, 2 Toyota Tundra. Call: 264-1538; 667-7405 One Isuzu trooper diesel engine and transmission 4JG2 turbo intercooler, foreign used. Call: 669-2290 Stamps! Valuable Stamp collection -12,000 and over for sale. Call: 624-7341; 227-6817 33.6 Acres Farm Land @ Kuru Kuru Linden Soesdyke Highway, one garden tiller. Call: 225-7794; 679-1151 MOULDINGS, SPINDLES, HAND RAILS, PINE CUPBOARD DOORS 16X27 -$3200 (KNOT FREE)- CALL: 621-1278 1 AT192 Carina car for parts, 1 TD 27 Engine complete with transmission turbo intercool. Call: 669-2290 Used: office furniture, filing cabinets. Call: 621-9759 1 Complete high volume 3 stage water purification system, UV light, water tanks, reasonably price, owner migrating. Call: 649-8430 One barber chair; price $60,000. Call: 660-5043
VACANCY Cashiers for supermarketCall: 624-0033. 1 Cook & 1 maid. Call: 624-0033. Security In store (daytime) –Call: 680-3863.Driver for water truck. Call: 680-3863 Landscape Maintenance Vacancy: Hardworking, pleasant, team player, 17-28 years. Contact: 219-0468/ 621-2453 Cook/baker for the Interior location, applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020 5 Waitresses @ R&V Sports Bar E.B.D. Free Meals and accommodation- Call/ whatsapp: 661-8802 Bond clerk, security officer, office assistant, cooks, tractor drivers, cashiers/ waitress, accounts clerk, civil engineer. Call: 6034541/chungsvacancy @gmail.com Office clerk (senior/junior) with CXC English/ Mathematics & computer knowledge an asset. Call: 223-7500 One caterpillar mechanic to work in the interior-Call: 2235273/4 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.
PAGE 24
Tuesday May 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
Deaf Association helping to fast track first school for the deaf For a very long time the approach to educating the deaf was premised on “oralism...they (educators) were teaching the deaf to speak.” This was the observation of one of the Directors of the Guyana Deaf Association, Quincy Richards, who pointed out that initial attempts at teaching the deaf did not embrace the notion of signing. He disclosed that for far too long a lot of people saw deafness as unnatural perhaps even “demonic”. “We have seen the parents of deaf children who would even lock them away,” said Richards. But he expressed delight recently in the fact that this has become a thing of the past. The Deaf Association, has for some time, been working in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, along with other support, to realise a Deaf Curriculum which was recently launched. But according to Richards, this is not nearly the grandest thing that will happen in Guyana for the deaf.
He disclosed plans for a school designated for the deaf, a feat that has never been realised. “We are going to have the first deaf school in Guyana. We already have everything, it’s just to put the structure up,” confided Richards. This publication understands that a company has given its commitment to construct the school for the Deaf Association and was prepared to commencement building about one year ago. Currently, Richards noted that there are several special need schools with some deaf classrooms. But according to Richards, “That is less than ideal...we need to have a building for deaf only, you see if we have a building for just the deaf then a lot of (positive) things will be encouraged.” The deaf, Richards noted, are treated in much the way that persons diagnosed with autism, cerebral palsy and mental disorders are treated. Essentially, they are treated as disabled people and are therefore left behind since they
simply are not allowed to be developed. And according to Richards, “That is not good because there is nothing wrong with a deaf person’s mental processing faculty...there is nothing wrong with them. The only difference is that they communicate differently.” Moreover, the challenge that the Deaf Association has recognised for a number of years is that after a number of years of schooling, deaf students are left “hanging in the balance”. But this too is geared to become a feature of the past, Richards assured. He divulged that only recently the Association was able to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) that will help the deaf students to eventually be able to find meaningful employment. “The Association has been working with them (deaf students), going to business places with them and literally forcing people to take them on. We urge them to ‘take a
Missing girls found on Bushy Park beach A mother’s heart is now at ease after the recovery of her two teenage girls who went missing from her Parika, East Bank Essequibo home a week ago. Florie Edwards, of 369 Peters Street, Parika, East Bank Essequibo had faced the task of investigating and distributing information which eventually aided in the recovery of her two daughters, 14
years old and 15 years old. Kaieteur News understands that police acting on information on Thursday last, swooped down at Bushy Park Beach in Parika where the runaway teenagers were found in the company of two males. The men are believed to hail from Anna Catherina. However, 17-year old “Helicopter” and 21-year-old “Aggi” were
Provide for your... From page 19 dependence, Dr. Holder, during the midday sermon said, "In many ways the two countries have offered opportunities to each other's citizens, to make a life for themselves and for their families. Citing an example of this interdependence, the Archbishop said, "In any discussion of Guyana-Barbados relationship, the story of the Barbadian cane workers, and sugar workers who went to Guyana to help there with the
sugar industry years ago will feature prominently". He then fast-forwarded to the present situation, "But in our time we can point to many Guyanese from all walks of life who are resident here in Barbados and contribute in a significant way to its welfare and to its development". He said that such interplay of people of these two countries, "Has moved us along over the years even as we celebrate our independence.
the only call names provided. Family members believe that these are the same males that were seen with the girls the night before they went missing. They were reportedly taken into police custody at the Parika Police Station for further investigations. The two girls were recommended to be placed into the New Opportunity Corps but their mother opted for her daughters to return home and receive counselling at the Welfare Office. “I can smile now; they are home. My husband and I get to pray with them and talk them through.” She said that she had the opportunity to take the girls home after she had received good reports from the girl’s medical assessment. Edwards told Kaieteur News that she does not want to pursue the matter in court against the two males since she believes that her girls had run away from home on their own volition. She said she hopes that with care and counselling, her girls can go back to school. “I’m just happy they are alive and well…I’m so grateful for all those people who gave their support to help look for them,” the mother said. Commander of ‘D’ Division, Steven Mansel, said that investigations are still on-going.
deaf person’...we try to convince them and that is how it has been happening,” said Richards. This has, however, been a challenge, according to the Association’s Director. “We can’t always force people to take them,” he added but nevertheless noted that “some of them are able to get jobs on their own or either through some friend or family member.” Richards pointed out though that in order for a deaf person to be aptly qualified and become productive citizens, a sound education is imperative. For this reason, he disclosed that the Association saw the need to meet with influential individuals, including President David Granger, to push for the realisation for sign language.
And it was with such support that the Deaf Curriculum was brought into being. Moreover, instead of using a curriculum designed for hearing people it has been revised to cater specifically to the deaf, Richards asserted. “What we have done is adapted the curriculum for the deaf,” said Richards who noted too that teachers
tasked with teaching the deaf will have to be proficient in sign language in order to deliver efficiently. The move to adapting the Deaf Curriculum is currently in its second phase whereby the teachers are being educated on how to teach the deaf. The programme is gaining immense support from the University of the West Indies.
Man, 37, killed in Garden of Eden accident The police are investigating an accident which occurred early yesterday on the Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara (EBD) Public Road and has resulted in the death of a 37year-old man. The accident occurred sometime around 07:00 hrs. The dead man has been identified as Keith Simmons, a resident of Grove Hous-
ing Scheme, EBD. According to information received, Simmons was walking on the left side of the road, heading south when he was struck and killed by a minibus that was heading in the same direction. The driver allegedly told ranks that he swerved from a vehicle and ended up colliding with the man. Simmons was taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The driver is hospitalized.
Defence presents closing... From page 21 weight on the identification parade because the witnesses were not given a proper view of his client. “Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Reid admitted that this was the first time they did identification parade via Skype…but the method in which they did it was a problem. They used laptops to connect to Skype…the witnessed did not get a view of all the suspects at once. They (the police) focused on Nicholas Narine alone” Thompson continued, “ASP Reid conducted an identification parade and indicated that Narine was in the number one position. ASP Reid said that Narine attended three identification parades but ASP Reid only brought documents to support two of them.” Thompson contended that the identification evidence the prosecution led against Narine is insufficient to prove his guilt. The Attorney also argued that there is no evidence that Narine discharged a loaded firearm at Ron Peters. According to Thompson, he is still questioning on what basis the police arrested
Anthony David. The Attorney maintained that his client was at home with his family when the robbery occurred. He added that David informed the police of his whereabouts but was still arrested and charged. During the trial, Thompson said that the prosecution produced evidence that David gave a statement to ASP Mitchel Caesar, Head of Major Crimes Unit Investigation. However, the lawyer said that the statement was allegedly made at CID Headquarters and documented in the personal Diary of
Caesar. He questioned why the statement was not recorded in the station diary or on a charge sheet. Thompson stressed, “This is not Constable Caesar…this is ASP Caesar… He knows the procedure…He is a supervisor. As such I am asking the court to find Anthony David not guilty as charged. He has five charges as if he assaulted the virtual complainants. He did nothing. But he is in prison and there is absolutely no evidence against him.” This trial continues today with a response from Prosecutor Nigel Hughes.
Jubilee National... From page 18 race in Guyana. In an effort to leave a legacy for those to come, the symposium will be recorded and live streamed. The various papers will also be collected and compiled into a white paper. This legacy will also include writing about Guyana by non-Guyanese. Professor Griffith also expressed gratitude to those persons who have been working on making this event a
success. The Jubilee National Symposia Series is viewed as an important step in building trust and national cohesion. It is anticipated that a Jubilee Declaration will emerge from the symposium and will be forward looking and will inform a sustainable national strategy and work program aimed at making our collective history and aspirations accessible.
Tuesday May 24, 2016
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Kaieteur News
NIS makes significant postforensic audit improvements
U.S. lifts arms ban on old foe Vietnam as China tensions simmer
U.S. President Barack Obama (L) attends a bilateral meeting with Vietnam’s General Secretary of the Communist Party and National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Phu Trong (Reuters/Carlos Barria) (Reuters) - The United States announced a complete end to its arms embargo on Vietnam yesterday, a historic step that draws a line under the two countries’ earlier enmity and underscores their shared concerns about China’s growing military clout. The move came during President Barack Obama’s first visit to Hanoi, which his hosts described as the arrival of a warm spring and a new chapter in relations between two countries that were at war four decades ago. Obama, the third U.S. president to visit Vietnam since diplomatic relations were restored in 1995, has made a strategic “rebalance” toward Asia a centerpiece of his foreign policy. Vietnam, which borders China, is a key part of that strategy amid worries about Beijing’s assertiveness and sovereignty claims to 80 percent of the South China Sea. The decision to lift the arms trade ban suggested such concerns outweighed arguments that Vietnam had not done enough to improve its human rights record and Washington would lose leverage for reforms. Obama told a joint news conference with Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang that disputes in the South China Sea should be resolved peacefully and not by whoever “throws their weight around.” But he insisted the arms embargo shift was not linked to China. “The decision to lift the ban was not based on China or any other considerations. It was based on our desire to complete what has been a lengthy process of moving towards normalization with Vietnam,” he said. Obama later added his visit to a former foe showed “hearts can change and peace is possible.” In 2014, the Obama administration eased the decadesold arms embargo to allow its former Cold War enemy to
buy maritime surveillance and “security-related” systems to strengthen it with China in mind. Now Hanoi will be able to buy a full range of U.S. weapons and military equipment. Immediate big-ticket purchases are not expected, but Vietnam’s military strategists are likely to seek U.S. drones, radar, coastal patrol boats and possibly P-3 Orion surveillance aircraft. The sale of arms, Obama said, would depend on Vietnam’s human rights commitments, and be made on a case-by-case basis. The announcement met a mixed reception in the U.S. Congress, which can block foreign arms sales. Some lawmakers said they supported lifting the embargo, but would keep a close eye on Vietnam’s human rights record. “Congress will work with the administration to ensure today’s more expansive shift in policy aligns with U.S. interests, including the desire for progress on human rights,” said Republican Senator Bob Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. But others, including some of Obama’s fellow Democrats, saw a missed opportunity. “Now what incentive is left for the Vietnamese government to meaningfully enact human rights reforms and respect the civil rights of the Vietnamese people?” asked U.S. Representative Loretta Sanchez, a California Democrat who co-chairs the Congressional Caucus on Vietnam. HUMAN RIGHTS CONCERNS The advocacy group Human Rights Watch reacted with dismay to Washington’s decision to toss away a critical lever it might have had to spur political reform in the Communist Party-ruled state. Phil Robertson, the watchdog’s Asia director, said in a statement that even as Obama was lifting the em-
bargo, Vietnamese authorities were arresting a journalist, human rights activists and bloggers. “In one fell swoop, President Obama has jettisoned what remained of U.S. leverage to improve human rights in Vietnam - and basically gotten nothing for it,” he said. Obama told the news conference with President Quang that Washington would continue to speak out for human rights, including citizens’ right to organize through civil society. Obama is scheduled to meet with activists on Tuesday. Quang, who announced the lifting of the U.S. embargo before Obama could do so, was until recently minister of public security, which activists say harasses and arrests dissidents. Dissent was once the domain of just a few in Vietnam. But while the party has allowed more open criticism in recent years, it is quick to slap down challenges to its monopoly on power. Although the communist parties that run China and Vietnam officially have brotherly ties, China’s brinkmanship over the South China Sea - where it has been turning remote outcrops into islands with runways and harbors - has forced Vietnam to recalibrate its defense strategy. Carl Thayer, an expert on Vietnam’s military at Australia’s Defence Force Academy, said the steep costs of U.S. arms would remain a factor for Hanoi, pushing it toward its traditional suppliers of missiles and planes, particularly long-time security patron, Russia. On the other hand, lifting the embargo will provide Vietnam with leverage in future arms deals with those suppliers.
The National Insurance Scheme (NIS) said, yesterday, that some of the issues highlighted in the recently released forensic audit report have since been addressed and corrected. The entity highlighted yesterday that despite the fact that it was only recently released; the audit into its operations was conducted about a year ago. NIS said that it has since been able to make much needed changes. Some of the problems addressed existed for years during the reign of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C). The fact that NIS was able to attack the issues it did, should reflect the scheme being in a better financial position. The NIS audit report highlighted that the Ministry of Finance owed the scheme millions. The debt was incurred under the PPP/C. Ramesh Seebaran, in his report, revealed that a debt of $168M was recorded in NIS’ audited financial statements for 2013. Part of that figure represented debts dating back in 2001. The sum owed by the Finance Ministry represents the chunk of the debt recorded in that year. Seebaran reported, “Included in this amount, is a balance of $116M owed by the Ministry of Finance and an amount of $38M which represents dishonoured cheques from contributors. Further, over $20M of the $38M is owed in excess of five years.” NIS indicated yesterday that the Ministry of Finance has since reimbursed all monies that were outstanding for the one per cent Government’s subsidies on NIS contributions. Seebarran had found that the Guyana Sugar Corpora-
tion (GuySuCo) was the largest defaulter with an indebtedness of over $1.5B. According to Seebaran, the Operations Manager, presented a list of receivables totaling $1,091,172,705 at August 2015 which does not include GuySuCo whose indebtedness is $1,574,283,889 for the period September 2014 to April 2015. However, this has been corrected. NIS said yesterday that contribution payments that were owed by Guysuco have been paid. It was also noted that Guysuco is currently paying its monthly contributions on a “timely basis.” Because of the level of debt that NIS had, Seebaran recommended the establishment of both a proper Debt Management Unit with adequate staff and resources to effectively pursue defaulters and a legal department since management only engage lawyers for significant cases. The auditor has noted, “This practice severely hampers its debt collection abilities.” NIS said, “Efforts are being made by NIS to collect all outstanding monies owed by employers to the Scheme. To this end, a Debt management Unit has been established to aid the compliance Section in their collection efforts.” Also the audit report had revealed that employees at the various branch offices were in serious danger. The Auditor, Ramesh Seebaran, said that the employees are exposed to electric shock and other health hazards. He also noted that already faulty equipment were likely to be further damaged. Seebaran said that during visits to some NIS offices, including the main branch, au-
ditors noted that the buildings were in dire need of repairs. He added that the head office is in such a state that it should be closed temporarily for extensive repairs and maintenance. Seebaran said that the state of the building poses a health risk to employees. ”Whenever it rains, employees, equipment, furniture, records have to be relocated or shifted to prevent further damage because of the leaking roof and the flooding of the compound and surrounding area.” The NIS audit started during the May-June rainy season. It was noted that during that time “we observed first hand at the Camp Street and Brickdam locations, the leaking roofs and the soaking of furniture as well as records.” Further, auditors “witnessed how the pension files stored at Brickdam were being soaked by flood water as rain seeped through the roof and by sewerage water rising from the ground. “In some cases the records/files were damaged to such an extent that it required employees to wear masks and gloves to protect their health before handling them.” Seebaran reported that things can become even more dangerous, if the water gets into contact with electricity cables and outlets, putting the building at risk from fire and employees at risk of electric shock. Seebaran said that similar situations also exist at the branch offices in New Amsterdam, Port Mourant and Fort Wellington. He said that the branch in Melanie Damishana is also not suitable. However, he said that this location has the (Continued on page 26)
Recognising Blackcontributions The United Nations has designated 2015 - 2024 the Decade for people of African Descent. A committee comprising representatives of Burnham Foundation, Cuffy 250 Committee, Pan African Organization, Women’s Roundtable and Miss Emancipation Committee aims to commemorate this decade by awarding outstanding Guyanese who have made significant contribution in different forms toward the development of Guyana with emphasis on African Guyanese community. The inaugural award ceremony would be held during the Guyana Jubilee celebrations to acknowledge African Guyanese who have made significant contributions towards the development of Guyana and the African
Guyanese community over the past 50 years. Thirteen posthumous nominees would be recognized during this historic occasion. They are L.F.S. Burnham, Mrs. Viola Burnham, Dr. Kenneth King, Dr. Faith Harding, Mr. Clarence Ellis, Mr. Winston Murray, Mrs. Deborah Backer, Dr. Gustav Jackson, Mr. Philip
Moore, Dr. Herbert Nicholson, Mr. Ronald Waddle, Dr. Walter Rodney and Mr. Courtney CrumEwing. Relatives of these posthumous awardees, including Roxanne Burnham, Pat Harding and Steve Backer, would be in attendance to receive the awards in their honour.
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Tuesday May 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
T&T to supply Venezuela with goods PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela have held talks here yesterday, signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will allow their operating companies to proceed on cross border initiatives. President Nicolas Maduro, who arrived here on Sunday night from Jamaica, paid a courtesy call on President Anthony and later held talks with Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley. Rowley said that Port of Spain would be providing “relief” to Venezuela in the form of manufactured goods, but gave no indication as to whether it is as a result of the socio-economic and political unrest in the Spanish speaking country. Maduro was greeted by pro and anti-demonstrators as his motorcade made its way to the office of President Carmona and the Diplomatic Centre where he met Rowley. Speaking at a joint news conference where neither men took questions from the media, Rowley described the
talks as “very productive and very useful…that would be beneficial to both the people of the South American country and the Caribbean Community (Caricom) neighbour. He said the two sides had signed an MOU in order to further boost their trade and economic relations. “I want to thank president Maduro and his team for coming,” said Rowley, whose administration was hosting the first ever head of state since it came to power in the September 7 general elections last year. Rowley said that arising from the two hour deliberations, efforts had been made to move the relationships between the two countries forward. “Venezuela being our closest neighbour and sharing in the same kind of challenges we share we need to work together. Since that time our technical teams and at the levels of the ministries of both countries have had a number of meetings including some of our people going to Caracas and Venezuelan delegations coming to
DIPLOMATIC SMILES: Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, right, and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro smile during their joint press briefing yesterday at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s. - Photo: CURTIS CHASE Trinidad. “Arising out of those efforts today as we welcome President Maduro and his very large delegation we found ourselves able to conclude some very far reaching discussions. The outcome of these discussions would have far reaching positive
consequences for all the people of Venezuela and the people of Trinidad and Tobago. “We have agreed and signed the relevant memorandum which allows the state, Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago, to now direct the operating companies in the
energy sector to proceed on our cross border initiatives,” Rowley said. He said that the agreements signed with respect to the energy sector “could see the monetisation of cross border gas, Venezuelan gas in Trinidad plants and together Venezuela and Trinidad and
Tobago approach the international market…for these activities”.Rowley said Trinidad and Tobago is “very pleased” to have heard from Maduro that financing has been put in place to enable the cross border trading in manufactured items “and we look forward from Trinidad and Tobago to provide some significant relief to the people of Venezuela. “This relief to come from a supply of manufactured goods from Trinidad and Tobago and this trade to be facilitated by the arrangements which were described talks today”. Rowley said that the two sides also discussed at length “the common purpose of reducing illicit activity in Western Venezuela in so far as it affects the waters and territory of Trinidad and Tobago and we have agreed as a matter of urgency, and our security forces will meet and cooperate and re-establish operations, the operations of the joint security coordinating committee and we set the date for the next meeting at the May 30 in Caracas”.
Bombs kill nearly 150 in Syrian government-held cities - monitor been killed in what is Assad’s coastal heartland. The attacks were the first of their kind in Tartous, capital of Tartous province and home to a Russian naval facility, and in Jableh in Latakia province, near a Russian-operated air base. The Kremlin said the blasts underscored the need to press ahead with peace talks after the collapse of a Feb. 27 ceasefire in April due to intensifying violence in a war that has killed at least 250,000 people. “This demonstrates yet again just how fragile the situation in Syria is. And this one more time underscores the need for new urgent steps to continue the negotiating process,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.
NIS makes significant...
Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated his readiness to fight with the Syrian government against “the terrorist threat” and sent his condolences to Assad, the Kremlin said. The Syrian Foreign Ministry sent a letter to the United Nations, state television reported, saying the blasts were a “dangerous escalation by the hostile and extremist regimes in Riyadh, Ankara and Doha”, referring to support given to the rebels by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar. U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon condemned the attacks. “BLOOD AND BODIES” One of the four blasts in Jableh happened when a man walked into a hospital emergency department and blew himself up. Another blast was at a bus station. The Tartous bombs also targeted a bus station, the Observatory and state media said.
(From page 07) least of the problems. Seebaran said that the front yard at that location floods whenever it rains. NIS is claiming that maintenance work is continuous and several improvements are being made. While NIS did not state to what extent repairs were made, it was noted that the entity has been able to “overcome
Younes Hassan, a doctor at the Jableh hospital, said he heard an explosion at the bus station, followed less than a minute later by the hospital blast. “Everything went into emergency mode, wounded people began arriving,” he told Reuters by phone. The International Committee of the Red Cross con-
(Reuters) - Bombs killed nearly 150 people and wounded at least 200 in Jableh and Tartous on Syria’s Mediterranean coast yesterday in the government-controlled territory that hosts Russian military bases, monitors and state media said. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attacks in the cities that have up to now escaped the worst of the violence in the five-year-old conflict, saying it was targeting members of President Bashar alAssad’s Alawite minority. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 148 people were killed in attacks by at least five suicide bombers and two devices planted in cars. State media had said 78 people had
difficulties with several manual records and has already digitized many such records.” NIS further stated that it “stands committed to our employees and the public that we serve. The statement sent out by the scheme did not address a few other issues highlighted in the audit report.
Men inspect a damaged site after explosions hit a bus station in the Syrian city of Jableh yesterday demned this latest attack on healthcare. The Tartous explosions occurred in quick succession, a driver at the bus station said. “People began running but didn’t know which direction to go, cars were on fire, there was blood and bodies on the ground,” Nizar Hamade said. Footage broadcast by the state-run Ikhbariya news channel showed several twisted and burnt-out cars and vans. Islamic State claimed the attacks in a statement posted online by the group’s Amaq news agency, saying its fight-
ers had targeted “gatherings of Alawites”. A second statement from the militant group said the attacks were carried out in a government-held area “so they experience the same taste of death which Muslims so far have tasted from Russian (and Syrian government) air strikes on Muslim towns.” Amaq said 10 Islamic State members died in the attacks, 5 in Tartous and 5 in Jableh. Syria’s Information Minister Omran al-Zoubi said in an interview with Ikhbariya that terrorists were resorting to bomb attacks against civilians instead of fighting on the
front lines, and vowed to keep battling them. The government refers to all insurgents fighting against it as terrorists. The Observatory said an area of Tartous hosting internally displaced Syrians near a blast site was briefly attacked by government supporters in reaction to the bombings. Some tents were burned but nobody was killed. Tartous governor Safwan Abu Saadah told Reuters reports on social media about refugees being shot were not true. He said some Tartous residents had gone to refugee areas to protect them from possible attacks. “Two days ago some camps in Tartous province experienced fires because of electrical problems ... today’s reports that people burned (these camps) are not true. Nobody would turn against our guests in this way,” Abu Saadah said. Bombings in Damascus and the western city of Homs this year killed dozens of people and were also claimed by Islamic State, which is fighting against government forces and their allies in some areas, and separately against its jihadist rival al Qaeda and other insurgent groups.
Tuesday May 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Tuesday May 24, 2016
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U.S. says late Taliban leader was planning attacks on Americans (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama approved the drone strike that killed Mullah Akhtar Mansour because the Taliban leader was overseeing plans for new attacks on American targets in Kabul, the Afghan capital, U.S. officials said yesterday. While the Taliban have yet to confirm the death of their leader Saturday in a remote area in Pakistan near the border with Afghanistan, senior members of the insurgency’s leadership council met to begin choosing Mansour’s successor. Two senior members of the movement also said Pakistani authorities had delivered Mansour’s badly burned remains for burial in the western city of Quetta. Pakistani officials, however, denied handing over a body. U.S. forces targeted Mansour because he was plotting attacks that posed “specific imminent threats” to U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan, said Navy Captain Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman. A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, later specified that the Taliban were planning new attacks against “our interests and our people in Kabul.” He did not elaborate. But the administration hopes Mansour’s death will have a long-term impact by pushing the Taliban to end its refusal to engage in peace negotiations with Kabul and “choose the path to reconciliation,” the official said. He expressed hope that the death of Mansour will convince Pakistan to live up to its “rhetoric” and deny safe haven to the Taliban. American intelligence and military officials have long said the Pakistani military supports elements of the insurgency. But the Taliban’s direction is hard to predict and hinges largely on what happens in the leadership contest and in fighting over the summer season. Mansour’s death cleared “an obstacle to reconciliation,” said one U.S. intelligence official, also speaking on condition of anonymity. “But it’s not clear if it clears the path for reconciliation.” A second U.S. intelligence official was more pessimistic. “It’s at least equally likely that killing Mansour will destroy any chance to get the Taliban into negotiations with the (Afghan) government, not that there ever was much of one,” said the second official, who specializes in South
Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansour Asia and also spoke on the condition of anonymity. “His successor could be even more loathe to negotiate.” NO SHIFT IN U.S. STRATEGY Obama confirmed Mansour’s death while on a three-day visit to Vietnam, calling it “an important milestone.” “The Taliban should seize the opportunity to pursue the only real path for ending this long conflict - joining the Afghan government in a reconciliation process that leads to lasting peace and stability,” Obama said. He stressed that the operation against Mansour was not a shift in U.S. strategy in Afghanistan or a return to active engagement in fighting, following the end of the international coalition’s main combat mission in 2014. The U.S. now has 9,800 troops in Afghanistan, and a decision is expected later this year on whether to stick with a timetable that would see their numbers cut to 5,500 by the start of 2017. Pentagon spokesman Davis said the drone strike that killed Mansour was carried out under U.S. rules of engagement that permit the military to conduct defensive strikes. He said it was the first time to his knowledge that U.S. forces had attacked inside Pakistan under that rule. Previous strikes there were done under U.S. rules on counterterrorism. Pakistani authorities have said the attack was a violation of the country’s sovereignty, and an official from the foreign ministry told the U.S. ambassador in Islamabad that the attack could “adversely impact” peace talks. U.S. military officials said they had discussed their interest in Mansour with Pakistan. Reaction from Islamabad was otherwise relatively muted, and a number of questions remained over what happened.
An undamaged Pakistani passport in the name of Wali Muhammad, which Pakistani authorities said contained a visa for Iran, was recovered next to the burned-out car at the scene of the attack and is believed to have belonged to Mansour. The Taliban have set up a 10-member commission to try to establish how Mansour was targeted by the U.S. drones, sources within the group said. They said he had crossed into Pakistan from Iran, where he had been holding meetings with Iranian officials and Taliban leaders located there. According to Taliban officials, the movement has set up offices in Iran, which Mansour used to visit. But the U.S. intelligence officials questioned that account, saying they have seen little credible evidence of close ties between the Sunni Muslim extremist Taliban and Shiite Iran. A spokesman for the Iranian foreign ministry was quoted on state media denying that such an individual had crossed the border from Iran to Pakistan at the time in question. LEADERSHIP ‘VERY CAREFUL’ Although some individual Taliban members have said that Mansour was killed, the group’s leadership, keenly aware of the need to limit splits, has not issued its own confirmation, concentrating instead on naming a successor. “The leadership is being very careful because one wrong step could divide the group into many parties like former mujahideen,” said one Taliban official from the eastern province of Nangarhar, referring to guerrilla leaders who fought the Soviets in the 1980s before splitting into warring factions. Mansour’s number two, Sirajuddin Haqqani, leader of the m i l i t a n t n e t w o r k blamed for a series of highprofile attacks in Kabul, and Mullah Mohammad Ya q o o b , s o n o f t h e movement’s late founder Mullah Mohammad Omar, are among the main contenders. Ya q o o b i n i t i a l l y opposed Mansour’s claim to the leadership when his father’s death was belatedly made public last year. Choosing a member of Mullah Omar’s family would be a means of building consensus, but one of the Taliban officials said Yaqoob was reluctant to take over.
Tuesday May 24, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Barcelona beat Sevilla in extra time to win Copa del Rey MADRID, Spain (AP) — Jordi Alba scored seven minutes into extra time and Neymar sealed the victory late to give Barcelona a 2-0 win over Sevilla for their secondstraight Copa del Rey title yesterday. After 0-0 in regulation time, Alba found the net with a low left-footed shot into the far corner after a superb long pass into the area by Lionel Messi. Neymar closed the scoring in injury time after another perfect set-up by Messi to give Barcelona their 28th Copa trophy. “It’s a great way to end the season,” said Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta. “It was a wonderful season. We continued to add to the club’s history.” Barcelona, which clinched their 24th Spanish league title last weekend, played with 10 men from the 36th minute after defender Javier
Mascherano was sent off with a straight red card for pulling the jersey of Kevin Gameiro to keep the French striker from entering the area with only the goalkeeper to beat. The Catalan club also lost Luis Suarez with an apparent muscle injury early in the second half. The Uruguay striker, who cried on the bench after being substituted, had been crucial for Barcelona in the final stages of the Spanish league, scoring 14 goals in the last five matches. Sevilla, which won the Europa League final against Liverpool on Wednesday, also played the extra time with 10 men after midfielder Ever Banega was shown a straight red in second-half injury time for fouling Neymar just outside the area as the Brazilian tried to get into position to score. Sevilla further lost de-
fender Daniel Carrico with two yellow cards just before Neymar’s goal late in the game at Atletico Madrid’s Vicente Calderon Stadium. Alba had broken the deadlock after Messi lobbed a perfect pass over a defender into the area, allowing him to calmly wait for the ball to bounce before pushing it across the goal near the far post. Sevilla were trying to win their sixth Copa title and first since 2010. Sevilla controlled possession after Barcelona went a man down and were close to scoring several times, with their best chance coming on a low shot from outside the area by Banega that struck the post in the 50th. Barcelona relied on counterattacks but never threatened much until extra time started with both teams even with 10 men.
Tuesday May 24, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Take your time and try not to overload yourself. You should be promoting your ideas. Look into joining groups that can give you hands-on advice about business. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Educational pursuits should help you develop your hobbies. If you can get away for a vacation, do so. Problems with your partner are apparent.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) A lack of support and negativity have been the main problems. Don't push your luck with your boss. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Don't count on getting any help from those you live with. Look at your options before making commitments that could jeopardize your financial position. Friends may not be completely honest with you.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) This is a great day for a trip. Make changes regarding your friendships. Property deals will pay big dividends.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Set a limit on the amount you're willing to spend, and be sure to stick to it. Money problems will get worse if your partner hasn't been playing by the rules.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) You'll be surprised how much you can accomplish. Don't let others know about your private affairs. Don't make accusations unless you are completely sure that you are correct.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Your ideas are good and career moves can be realized. Travel should be on your mind. Get involved in jobs that require creative input. You can win points with both peers and superiors.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Try to have patience and refrain from being judgmental. You can benefit financially if you put money or maintenance into your living quarters.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Make amends if you can. Insurance pay outs, tax rebates, or just plain luck. Opportunities will develop through those you encounter while attending organizational events.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You can gain distinction; however, it may be for the wrong reasons. Your determination may make you a little overbearing when dealing with others.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You could meet an interesting individual you'll want to get to know better. Catch up on your correspondence and reading.
goalkeeper Sergio Rico in the 70th. It was the second final between the teams this sea-
son, with Barcelona needing extra time to win the European Super Cup last August. The teams exchanged home victories in the Spanish league. Barcelona were more rested than Sevilla because they had a full week to prepare for the final, while their rival played the midweek Europa League final. After a week-long controversy, Barcelona’s Catalan fans were allowed to display pro-independence flags at the stadium. A Madrid court had banned them because of security reasons, prompting public criticism, but the ruling was reversed on Friday after an appeal.
(From page 30) with a positive spread of 39 to finish in the 4th place. Bingos flowed and it was Delon Moffat and Kevin Williams who formed 11 bingos apiece but the former player was given the edge after the organizers voted to give the prize to the player with the highest bingo score. Cave managed to register the highest bingo points after scoring a triple (overtips) that netted him 172 points.
Meanwhile, the organizers are very grateful to the management of Herdmanston Lodge for accommodating the players. One of the organizers, James Krakowsky admitted that the host entity had a number of functions that coincided with the 50th Anniversary celebrations yet they delivered a special service to the scrabble players “We found the Herdmanston Lodge to be a breezy, quiet alcove for GASP,” stressed Krakowsky.
Barcelona’s Jordi Alba (centre) watches his shot head to the goal. (Daniel Ochoa de Olza) Their previous best chance had come on a free kick taken by Messi and easily saved by Sevilla
Louis van Gaal... (From page 27) the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The Old Trafford club finished fourth in the Premier League in his first season in charge to qualify for the Champions League. But they finished fifth this term and will play in the Europa League next season. They only scored 49 league goals - their lowest total since 1989-90. Saturday’s FA Cup success at Wembley gave United a first trophy since Sir Alex Ferguson won the Premier League in 2013 in his last season before retirement, but it was not enough to stop Van Gaal from losing his job. Mourinho was sacked by Chelsea last December, just seven months after leading the London club to the Premier League title.
Min. of Health Soft Shoe.... (From page 31) for the night with defending champion Sparta Boss lined up to take on California Square in the final encounter of the evening. The full fixtures are seen below: 19:00 hrs Old School Ballers versus Cross Street of Werken-Rust 19:45 hrs Queen Street OF Tiger Bay tackles Broad Street 20:30 hrs Sophia go up against Hope Street of Tiger Bay Break Break Break Break Break 21:00 hrs Channel 9 battles Globe Yard 21:45 hrs Bent Street engages Stevedore Housing Scheme 22:30 hrs Sparta Boss square off against California Square
Yvonne Murray carts off spoils in highly...
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Shardul Thakur earns call-up for WI Tests ESPNCRICINFO - Uncapped Mumbai quick Shardul Thakur has been picked in the 17-member squad for the four-Test tour of the West Indies in JulyAugust. The squad also includes fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who has not played international cricket since March 2015 due to injuries. Virat Kohli will captain the team, while Ajinkya Rahane has been named vicecaptain. Apart from batsman KL Rahul, none of the other players in the squad are part of the limited-overs tour to Zimbabwe immediately after the IPL in June. The series in West Indies is India’s first Test assignment since the home Tests against South Africa in October and November. India’s selectors made only two changes to that squad - fast bowler Varun Aaron and allrounder Gurkeerat Singh Mann were left out. Thakur had two strong showings in successive Ranji Trophy seasons. In 2014-15, he finished as the joint highest wicket-taker, alongside R Vinay Kumar, with 48 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 20.81. He followed that with 41 wickets in the 2015-16 season, the highest for Mumbai, to help the side clinch its 41st
Tuesday May 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
Shardul Thakur celebrates a wicket, Indian Board President’s XI v South Africans, Mumbai, 1st day, October 30, 2015 ©AFP Ranji Trophy title. Overall, Thakur has 133 wickets in 37 first-class matches at an average of 27.53. He was also part of the India A squad that played four-day matches at home against South Africa A and Australia A last year. Shami has not played international cricket since the 2015 World Cup semi-final against Australia and he later revealed he had bowled through the tournament while battling pain from his knee injury. Despite that, he picked up 17 wickets in seven matches in the tournament. Following a surgery, Shami made a return to competitive cricket, playing two matches each in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Shami was picked
for the ODI and T20I tour of Australia in January but was ruled out after suffering a Grade-2 hamstring injury. The injury also forced him to miss the Asia Cup T20. Shami retained his place in the World T20 squad but bowled only in the two warm-up matches, against West Indies and South Africa. India have plenty of pacebowling options for the tour of West Indies, with Ishant Sharma, Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav and Thakur in the squad, along with allrounder Stuart Binny. Their spin bowling line-up comprises R Ashwin, legspinner Amit Mishra and Ravindra Jadeja.
Thunder demolish Warriors, grab 2-1 series lead Reuters (The Sports Xchange) - Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook combined to score 63 points, and the Oklahoma City Thunder routed the Golden State Warriors 133-105 on Sunday to take a 2-1 in the Western Conference finals. The 133 points were a Thunder playoff record and the most points scored by any team this postseason. Durant scored 33 points on 10-of-15 shooting from the field and 12-of-12 from the free-throw line to go along with eight rebounds and three blocked shots. Westbrook tallied 30 points and 12 assists, and he was two rebounds away from his first triple-double of the postseason. Serge Ibaka scored 14, and Andre Roberson and Dion Waiters posted 13 points apiece. Enes Kanter amassed 10 points and a game-high 12 rebounds. Steph Curry paced the Warriors with 24 points on 7of-17 shooting, including 3of-11 success from 3-point range. Klay Thompson scored 18 points. Game 4 is on Tuesday in Oklahoma City. With their home crowd urging them on, the Thunder came out roaring to start the game. Led by the energy of Ibaka, they quickly took a 13point lead. The Warriors were able to
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) dribbles as Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) defends during the second quarter in game three of the Western conference finals. (Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports) come back and tie the game at 38-38 in the second quarter. But from that point on, Oklahoma City pulled away, outscoring the Warriors 34-9 the rest of the half. The Thunder held a 72-47 halftime lead despite connecting on only three 3-pointers. They were able to do most of their work in the paint (34 points) and on fastbreaks (22). Draymond Green, who was held to six points, four rebounds and three assists, kicked Thunder center Steven Adams in the groin
and was called for a controversial Flagrant Foul 1. The pummeling continued in the third quarter. Golden State had no answers for any part of Oklahoma City’s offensive attack and defensive ferocity. Curry and Thompson did not help matters by missing shots they normally knock down. Even as the lead grew to more than 30 points, Oklahoma City’s defense stayed focused on not allowing Golden State to find any momentum that could carry over into Game 4.
French Open 2016: Heather Watson reaches second round
Perry, Hooper, Phillips impress at Jubilee Day of Sports Rupert Perry continued his excellent form after returning to competitive track and field last year and Kenisha Phillips sprinted to a double on Sunday in the Golden Jubilee Independence Day of Sports, which was a collaborative effort between the Athletic Association of Guyana (AAG) and an ex-athletes association based in the United States. Perry blasted 10.1 seconds at the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora to beat team-mate, Akeem Stewart (10.3s) and Kevin Abbensetts (10.4s) respec-
tively. The Guyana Defense Force (GDF) ensured its ascendancy is to be taken seriously when Natricia Hooper also sprinted to the double among the Women. Hooper ran 11.4 seconds to win the female version of the 100m ahead of Aniqua Powley (11.7s) and Kezia Bess (12.1s). Hooper followed that up with victory in the 200m. The High School prodigy, Kenesha Phillips completed a similar feat in the Girls 14-16 category in the 200m and 400m. The win were comfortable for Phillips, who false
started in the 100m that prevented what could have been a sprint treble. In arguably the race of the day, Arinze Chance outleaned Kareem Purch (49.0s) to win the 400m in 48.9 seconds. Wayne Harlequin finished third in 49.3 seconds. In the 400m Women’s race, Andrea Foster defeated Hooper with a 59:00 seconds performance. Hooper had clocked 59.4s for second while Bess placed third in 1:01.3s. T h e organi s e r s h a d h e l d a 10km Road Race earlier on Sunday.
BBC Sport - Britain’s Heather Watson beat Nicole Gibbs 5-7 6-2 6-2 in her raindelayed match to book her place in the second round of the French Open in Paris. Gibbs was serving at 2-1 up in the third set when the players were called off on Sunday because of heavy rain. Following a further delay on Monday, Watson twice broke the American’s serve as she won five games in a row to seal victory and her place at the Olympics. Compatriots Andy Murray, Kyle Edmund and Naomi Broady are in action later. Murray takes on 37-yearold Czech Radek Stepanek, Edmund faces qualifier Nikoloz Basilashvili, while Broady is scheduled to play American Coco Vandeweghe. RIO QUALIFICATION DELIGHTS WATSON Qualifying for Rio has
Heather Watson is ranked 56th in the world. (AP) been at the forefront of Watson’s mind all season, with the British number two describing the London Games as the best experience of her career. She arrived at Roland Garros with points to defend having reached the second round last year and a firstround loss would have left the
world number 54 vulnerable. The cut-off comes immediately after the French Open, with the 56 topran k e d eligible players qualifying. Given only four players from any one country can compete, a ranking in the low 60s will be good enough.
Tuesday May 24, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Parika Defenders, Trophy Stall Angels victorious
The victorious Trophy Stall Angels with GCC captain Graeme Ali standing left. Parika Defenders and Trophy Stall Angels were crowned champions of the male and female categories respectively when the Georgetown Cricket Club staged its 10/10 softball tournament on Sunday.
Parika Defenders defeated Mike’s Wellman by five runs in the male final. Parika Defenders took first strike and posted 66-7 with Dhanraj Singh scoring 35. Mike’s Wellman got to 61-5 in reply; Greg De Franca got 20 as
Azeem Mohamed Aslam captured 3-13. Trophy Stall Angels beat Mike’s Wellwoman by five wickets in the female final. Batting first Mike’s Wellwoman scored 72-6. Zola Telford made 39 while Alisha
Members of the Parika Defenders side with their hardware. Allen, Kavita Yadram and Jenelli Nero picked up one wicket each. Yadram then stoked a fluent 40 inclusive of three fours and two sixes and got sup-
Gayle hits back at sexism critics ESPNCRICINFO - Chris Gayle has responded to the criticism he received from fellow cricketers following his sexist comments during a live interview in last season’s Big Bash League, with Andrew Flintoff, Chris Rogers and Ian Chappell all coming under fire in an extract from his new autobiography. In January, Gayle was fined $10,000 by his club, Melbourne Renegades, after propositioning Channel Ten’s pitch-side reporter, Mel McLaughlin, during a midmatch piece to camera, in which he first asked McLaughlin out for a drink and then responded to her visible unease with the words, “Don’t blush, baby”. Despite the controversy that ensued, Gayle remains unrepentant five months down the line. “Now T20 is different,” he writes, in a serialised extract of his book Six Machine, published in the Times. “It’s not Test cricket. It’s chilled and fun and let’s do things different. So when Mel asks me that question I stay in the T20 mind, and answer informal and fun. I meant it as a joke. I meant it as a little fun. I didn’t mean to be disrespectful and I didn’t mean it to be taken serious.” As Gayle noted, Network Ten’s commentary team could be heard laughing on air after the incident. “But someone up above them clearly decided to step in, and a throwaway comment in a fun format escalates and blows up and within hours it has turned into a major international incident,” he wrote.
Chris Gayle
“Don’t hate me just because I’m not what you want me to be. Don’t hate me because I’m not who you are. I am me and I am honest. I stand by my friends and my friends stand by me.” Among the most scathing critics of his actions was Rogers, the former Australia opening batsman who is also a team-mate of Gayle’s at Somerset. Speaking on an ABC radio show shortly after the incident, Rogers accused Gayle of setting a bad example for his younger team-mates, adding that his was a “pattern of behaviour … [that] you see over and over”. In response, however, Gayle insinuated that Rogers was a hypocrite, and had acted more like “Roger Rabbit”. “Chris Rogers, how can you claim that when it was
you and me at the bar most nights?” he wrote, “I’m not a snitch, but I’ve heard from your own mouth what you’ve done. Next time you want to open your mouth, maybe chew on a carrot instead.” As for Flintoff, who wrote on Twitter after the McLaughlin incident that Gayle had made himself look a bit of a “chop”, Gayle suggested - slightly bizarrely that his criticisms were invalidated because of Flintoff’s own admission, in an interview last year, he said that he had once been run out in a Test match after taking Viagra. “Freddie Flintstone, a young boy like you taking Viagra? Don’t lecture me,” wrote Gayle. “The only chop Freddie knows is when he used to bowl short to me and I would chop him past backward point for four.”
Chappell, who had called for Gayle to face a world-wide ban following his comments, also came in for a rebuke. “Ian Chappell, calling for me to be banned worldwide. Ian Chappell, a man who was once convicted of unlawful assault in the West Indies for punching a cricket official. Ian Chappell, how can you ban the Universe Boss? You’d have to ban cricket itself.” Gayle, who is due to play for Somerset again this season in the NatWest T20 Blast, had sparked another sexism row earlier this week when he asked a Times journalist, Charlotte Edwardes, a string of inappropriate questions, including how many black men she has “had” and whether she had ever engaged in a “t’eesome”, while also claiming he had “the biggest bat in the wooooorld”. However, Somerset dismissed any suggestion that they will renege on their six-game deal with Gayle as a consequence of his comments. “I was disappointed to read the article,” Guy Lavender, the Somerset chief executive, told theObserver. “But as I’ve said before, we found him to be fantastic the last time he was here, in terms of activities both on and off the pitch. “It’s a shame, because it detracts from his cricketing ability. The fact is, what he has said is inappropriate. But we haven’t had an opportunity to discuss [it] with him. I’m sure we will. But I don’t see it as grounds not to have him playing for us this summer.”
port from O. O’Neil 14 as Trophy Stall Angels replied with 75-5 in eight overs. Smith snared 3-12 and Haseena Mohamed 2-19. Enterprise Rising Star,
Gwan SC and Blue Divas were the other participating teams. Graeme Ali of the GCC presented the finalists with trophies and congratulated the winners.
Louis van Gaal: Manchester United sack manager BBC Sport - Louis van Gaal has been sacked as manager of Manchester United, with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho set to be named as his replacement. Van Gaal, 64, leaves after two years of a three-year contract and is discussing severance terms. The former Netherlands boss is believed to earn around £6.4m a year. Mourinho’s appointment is expected to be confirmed after the 53-year-old Portuguese meets senior United officials on Tuesday. The club were expected to confirm Van Gaal’s departure on Monday, having spoken to the Dutchman, but as of 17:00 BST there was no official announcement. United have made an offer to Ryan Giggs, Van Gaal’s assistant, for him to stay at Old Trafford, but it is not known what role he would have and whether he would accept. BBC Sport reported on Saturday that United’s FA Cup win over Crystal Palace would be Van Gaal’s last game in charge. He arrived at Manchester
United’s training ground at 08:45 BST on Monday and left shortly before 17:00. Forty-five minutes after his arrival in the morning, League Managers Association lawyer Paul Gilroy QC also drove into Carrington. Gilroy is the same employment barrister who acted for David Moyes when he was sacked as manager by United in 2014. He arrived at about 09:30 and was initially refused entry before being allowed in about 15 minutes later, refusing to answer questions about the reason for his presence. According to his profile page on the Nine St John Street Chambers website, Gilroy has advised and acted for a number of football clients, including Roy Hodgson, Martin O’Neill, Sir Alex Ferguson, Harry Redknapp, Roy Keane, Roberto Martinez, Sam Allardyce, Brendan Rodgers, Alan Pardew, Nigel Pearson and Steve McClaren. Van Gaal took control of United after leading the Netherlands to the semi-finals of
Correction Kaieteur Sport of May 22 incorrectly stated that Guyana player #3 (Tighthead Prop) Rondel Mc Arthur had scored a pe n a l t y i n t h e i r R u g b y Americas North (RAN) S o u t h Z o n e M e n ’s 1 5 s Championship and RWC
2019 Qualifier. However, we were reliably informed that it was Scrum Half Ryan Gonsalves, who was the player that scored the penalty in the 33rd minute of play. We regret the inconvenience caused.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday May 24, 2016
Exciting start to the CMRC season
Kristian Boodoosingh (left) and Kristian Jeffrey share a moment. (photo by Mikey Spice) JamWest Speedway, Westmoreland Parish, Jamaica – Round 1 of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC) kicked off in spectacular fashion at the beautiful JamWest Speedway in Jamaica. The entire day’s action was fantastic with a few collisions but, no injuries. Every race had its share of excitement. In Group 2 action, the youngster, William Myers made a Big Deal with his Regional debut in a Honda Civic claiming his first victory and made another podium appearance in the 3 races. Marc Gill of Trinidad and Sebastien Rae of Jamaica shared the other 2 victories. The Vieira family had a successful day especially in Group 3 with Paul Vieira getting the hat-trick in the Shining Monkey, Mazda RX-7, as he redlined it with 3 victories in 3 attempts. The Motorcycles saw Stephen Vieira with a surge of SunBurst winning 2 and finishing 2nd in the 3 races with Wayne E. and Matthew Vieira also having podium finishes but, the return of Robert McDonald of Jamaica was exciting. He was consistently on the podium and is looking forward to a great season. In Group 4 action, Powered by Boom Energy Drink, Doug Hollywood Gore claimed 2 wins and a 2nd places, even though, his car was suffering over-heating issues he was able to complete the races. Kyle Speedy Gregg was able to podium twice with a victory in race 1 in the Radical RXC. Mark Maloney of Barbados contested the event and narrowly missed out on the podiums but, was able to escape in 2nd overall in 2WD with gaining valuable points. Franklyn Boodram of Trinidad in the Renault Megane showed he can Flow
with the best in the region, even though, he was faced with many challenges. Franklyn still managed 2 second place and 1 third place finish. The Two-time defending CMRC Champion, Kristian Jeffrey had a horrible day. He went off course in race 1 and damaged some components
and was sidelined for the rest of the races. Kevin Jeffrey narrowly missed out on securing a podium finish in race 1 but, bowed out in the remaining races due to a head gasket issue. If Round 1 is any indications of what to expect for the remaining rounds then, we are all in for an exciting season.
Paul Vieira made a clean sweep of his category. (photo by Mikey Spice)
Doug Gore won 2 races on Sunday in Jamaica. (photo by Mikey Spice)
Wayne Elliot Vieira powers through during Sunday’s contest in Jamaica. (photo by Mikey Spice)
Kaieteur News
Tuesday May 24, 2016
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Tri-nation tickets on sale from yesterday Tickets for the first three matches of the Tri-Nation ODI series at Providence went on sale yesterday at the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) office at Bourda and will go on sale from 10:00hrs today at the Stadium. International Cricket returns to Guyana for the first time in over three years since West Indies beat Pakistan by 37 runs at Providence in the second ODI of a five-match series. On Friday June 3 West Indies face number three ranked South Africa, before facing five-time World Cup Champions and number one ranked Australia on Sunday June 5. Australia battle
Tickets on sale at Providence from today South Africa on Tuesday June 7. All the games are Day/Night encounters which commence at 13:00hrs. Gates open at 11:00hrs. Although South Africa have played three ODIs in Guyana including the very first one at Providence in the 2007 World Cup, they have never played West Indies in Guyana. Australia’s last ODI in Guyana was 17 years ago in 1999 when Steve Waugh made an unbeaten 72 in a game which ended in controversial tie when the crowd invaded the ground. Tickets cost $2,000 for
the Party Stand which will take over the entire Grass Mound with music and bars. The Orange stand cost $3,000, while the Red & Green Stands cost $4,000. Car passes cost $1,000 and there are no reserved tickets. Ticket holders will be seated on a ‘first come first served’ basis. The International cricket games are a Jubilee bonus and visitors here for Guyana’s 50th Anniversary celebrations could extended their stay to see the matches and buy their ticket early. (Sean Devers)
GASA stages National Independence Championships T h e n a t i o n ’s t o p swimmers will take to the pool when the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (G.A.S.A) stages its annual National Independence Championships long course meet at the National Aquatic Center, Liliendaal, May 2729. Officials said that the competition will be held in collaboration with Guyana’s Golden Jubilee
Independence Anniversary. When activities get underway on Friday, the swimmers will engage in the 1500m Freestyle and shortly afterwards, the 200m Butterfly. The swimmers return on Saturday, May 28 for the 800m Freestyle in the morning sessions while they engage in the 200m Backstroke soon afterwards. There will also be heated rivalry in the 50m Butterfly,
100m Breaststroke, 50m Backstroke and 200m Freestyle among other categories. Activities would be conducted under the auspices of the governing body, FINA and all rules are in force. The closing ceremony will follow immediately after the championships and an entrance fee of $200 will be charged on Saturday.
Fans turned up early yesterday at the GCB office to buy their tickets for the Tri-Nation series.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday May 24, 2016
DC Jammers thrash National Club Champions -play Pacesetters tonight
Washington D.C Jammers’, Winston Robinson goes up for a thunderous baseline dunk Sunday night against Colts at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
The Washington DC Jammers ‘balled’ to their second straight win in Guyana Sunday night when they beat National Club Champions, Colts 93-78 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall as a Goodwill Tour heated up with the second of four games. Point guard, Glen Stokes scored 21 points while forward, Winston Robinson added 18 points to lead DC Jammers on the rout. Stephan Farley had 11 points. For the local team, Shelroy Thomas put up 14 points while Sheldon Thomas added 11 points for the only players in double figures. National Club Championships Most Valuable Player, Stanton Rose and Kurt English had nine points apiece. Tied 25-25 early in the second quarter, Stokes nailed back-to-back threepoint jumpers to put DC Jammers up 31-25. The foreigners extended that lead to 58-46 with 2:39 left in the game. Despite a lack of defence from Jammers, Colts could not finish easy attempts.
Robinson completed a layup for 60-47 lead before a thunderous two-handed alley-hoop dunk off assist sent the Sports Hall into frenzy. Nevertheless, the penultimate quarter ended with six fast break points for Colts. Robinson continued to punish Colts with his offense nailing a jumper from way outside the three point line for 69-57 lead. Keavon
Creppy then hit a three-point jumper and finished a putback to launch Jammers’ run to the blowout win. The team will play Pacesetters tonight in their third game. Pacesetters placed third in the National Club Championships. Thus far, D.C Jammers have beaten Ravens and Colts. Linden’s Retrieve Raiders refused to play as per schedule.
Yvonne Murray carts off spoils in highly competitive scrabble Intermediate tournament Yvonne Murray and Wayne Cave both amassed 5 points but it was the former player with a larger positive spread of 406, as against the latter’s 175, that clinched the top spot when the Guyana Association of Scrabble Players (GASP) staged an Intermediate tournament at the Herdmanston Lodge, Queenstown, last Sunday evening. . Paul Adams amassed 4 games with a positive spread of 145 to seal off the podium spots while Enterprise scrabble player, Anand
Yvonne Murray Mohabir, scored 4 points (Continued on page 25)
Kaieteur News
Tuesday May 24, 2016
Regal Sports to sponsor Masters’ Football tourney in Georgetown
Former National Captain Earl O’ Neil (5th from left) and Dion Barnwell (5th from right) with members of the Georgetown Masters and Regal Sports outfit. Regal Sports of 69 Seaforth Street, Campbellville has committed to sponsor a masters (over 40) football tournament in Georgetown in the latter half of June. The tournament which is being organised by
Georgetown Masters will see Georgetown, Linden, Berbice and West Demerara battling for supremacy at the Georgetown Football Club. Former National Captain Earl O’ Neil and one of Guyana’s leading goal
scorers Dion Barnwell are expected to appear for the city side while former national forward Collie Hercules and Ryan Joseph will head the Linden team. West Demerara will have Kevin Archer and Sherwin
Min. of Health Soft Shoe Football pushed back until next Monday The second edition of the Annual Petra Organisation-organised Soft Shoe Football Competition which is being sponsored by the Ministry of Health under the ‘Stop Gender-based Violence’ theme will no longer start tonight as was previously
advertised. This is according to Petra Organisation CoDirector Troy Mendonca, who spoke to Kaieteur Sport via telephone yesterday. Mendonca said that due to the continued rainfall, the venue, the Ministry of Health ground on Brickdam
& Vlissingen Road cannot be prepared in time for tonight’s commencement therby forcing the Organisers to push back the games for next Monday, at the same location weather permitting. Six matches are carded (Continued on page 25)
Knights while Adrian Forde and Sherwin Forde will appear for Berbice. The winning team will take home a trophy and $50,000 and the runner up a trophy and $25,000. There will also added attractions for the family (including a well stock bar) while Guyana Softball Cup defending champions Regal will play a select XI in a 10/10 exhibition game at the said venue before the final. Meanwhile, the organisers will be hosting a fitness run at GNIC SC on Thursday starting at 10:00hrs. The even is open to the public.
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Perry, Hooper, Phillips impress at Jubilee Day of Sports
Rupert Perry (right) comfortably takes the 100m Men on Sunday at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora.
Exciting start to the CMRC season
Stephen Vieira in action in Jamaica. (photo by Mikey Spice) 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