Online readership yesterday 117,667 November 05, 2014 - Vol. 6 No. 44 Price $80
Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
Recorded threats against K/News…
Embattled AG finally breaks silence Statement rife with dishonesty Ramotar threatens elections if opposition forces no confidence motion AG's office attracts one-man protest… GECOM employee dies in accident Nandlall on birthday
described as “toxic, radioactive Minister”
Cambio dealer robbery…
3 ex-cops positively identified
Nandlall threat against K/News…
Police to send file to DPP today
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday November 05, 2014
Wednesday November 05, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Recorded threats against K/News…
Embattled AG finally Statement rife with dishonesty breaks silence Embattled Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, who is at the centre of a major scandal involving death threats to Kaieteur News, has after more than one week, broken his silence following a damning recorded phone call released last week by this publication. Among other things, in the conversation which went viral, the Colleagues, I am speaking to you today against the backdrop of the recent exposure to the general public of selected portions of a private conversation I had with someone I have known for a very long time and that took place in the context of mutual trust, confidence, informality and indeed, was a friendly banter. U n f o r t u n a t e l y, t h i s conversation was recorded without my knowledge, manipulated, distorted and made public. As you are aware, I have filed legal proceedings. It is my hope that these proceedings will examine and determine the legality and authenticity of the recording as well as the liabilities, if any, which arise therefrom. Additionally, I have no doubt that the appropriate authorities would send the recording for proper forensic analysis. Nevertheless, the publishing of this impugned recording was an unexpected betrayal. In the recording, you, and indeed the public, would have heard some most unfortunate remarks attributed to me. This entire episode has caused me and my family great embarrassment, personal distress and tremendous pain. I am truly sorry that you, my political colleagues, and the general public had to endure this highly regrettably ordeal. In addition to the personal consequences for me and my family, this episode has also served as a distraction for our nation at a time when there are significant and substantial issues that require our collective focused attention.
Government official spoke of gunmen attacking Kaieteur News. He also spoke of putting back monies he used from the nation’s coffers to pay for a medical procedure. The recording is the subject of the police complaint made by Kaieteur News and has been heavily debated in the social networks and in the local and international media.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall Allow me, to address some of the issues raised by the deliberately engineered, manipulated and released portions of that private conversation. Firstly, I share the views and principles of the Government of Guyana, of which I am a part, with respect to freedom of the press. As stated elsewhere recently, our government has from the inception “recognized, embraced, cherished and actively promoted press freedom in all its forms and facets. … we regard press freedom as a fundamental freedom and right which is enshrined in the Constitution of Guyana. We view freedom of the press as the cornerstone of our democracy.” It is also my firm belief that while the State has the sacred responsibility for creating and nurturing an enabling environment for a Free Press, the Free Press has an equally sacred responsibility to the highest ethical standards as they operate in that free environment. The Guyanese public and I are equally
victims of an unethical journalist and an unprincipled newspaper operating in a free environment. Secondly, I wish to state clearly and unequivocally, that I am unaware of any planned violence or extrajudicial sanction against any individual journalist or any newspaper. Indeed, in my own case I have filed legal proceedings and have every confidence in our judicial system to conduct a fair and open hearing and to deliver justice at the end. Our government does not condone or promote violence in any form or at any level. As you all here in these chambers know, we have worked tirelessly to give leadership and guidance to the development of legislation that tackle violence in all forms and at (Continued on page 6)
The conversation between the Attorney General Anil Nandlall and Kaieteur News senior reporter Leonard Gildarie, was indeed with someone whom he said was a colleague. But to say that selected portions of the conversation were released is to accuse Kaieteur News and the person with whom he had the conversation of dishonesty. The recording and the transcript spoke for t h e m s e l v e s . F u r t h e r, Kaieteur News is prepared to submit the recording for authentication to any international organization the Attorney General chooses. The recording of the conversation was a decision by the reporter for whatever reason he chooses. Any manipulation was in the mind of the Attorney General. He heard the recording, he knew precisely what he said, how he said it, and when he said it. He knew that there was no manipulation or distortion. He also knew why he was saying what he said. To tell the public that Kaieteur News did something unprofessional is to blatantly lie. And he knows that the authorities
would not send the recording for a forensic audit. If they are to send any recording it must be the original and not one that could have been tampered with by the same authorities. The public did hear what the Attorney General said, because he knew that he said it; he knew that there was no distortion. The remarks were not only attributed to the Attorney General, they were his words and he does not deny them. If indeed he did share the views about freedom of the press, he would also share the view that as a public figure his comments were of interest to the public. He should also tell the public about the number of lawsuits he has filed to silence the very media he says should be free. In 2006 he wrote a letter on this very issue when the government released a recording of a conversation between the then Police Commissioner Winston Felix and attorney at law Basil Williams; he quoted the British law to support the
right to release what was also a private conversation. What makes his conversation any different? “The Guyanese public and I are equally victims of an unethical journalist and an unprincipled newspaper operating in a free environment,” says Nandlall. The public must ask “What is unethical about recording the chief lawmaker and protector of the laws and the citizens of the country making a threat to the lives of the staff of Kaieteur News?” The people are to be shot soon, according to the Attorney General. It is illegal, immoral and unethical for him to be in possession of such information and not inform the authorities. He does inform his friend and encourages him to quit the office. We await the outcome of his legal proceedings, copies of which are still to be served on Kaieteur News. Truth is (Continued on page 6)
Wednesday November 05, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news... Letters... Where your views make the news
Taking Guyana downhill
DEAR SIR, The saga of the Attorney General’s phone conversation with a reporter from Kaieteur News, revealed, to the general public, not surprisingly, the way things are done in Guyana, including what is really happening in our judicial system and the propensity of the PPP regime to use the power of the state and certain institutions, to crush its critics; It will not work because citizens are becoming more aware of their rights and the limits of the government, which was elected to serve them. Kaieteur News has been bold in exposing the
corruption and evils of this government. It is incurably rotten and apparently it has corrupted the state and major institutions including the Guyana Revenue Authority. The revelations coming out of that Authority is frightening. Guyanese are now at the mercies of a reckless and careless government. The truth is unless this government is quickly removed from office, Guyana would continue to be divided and backward, and our children will grow up in poverty and squalor while Ministers, their relatives and friends stuff themselves to the
point where they vomit on their shoes. We cannot allow such inequalities to overtake the future of our children. We cannot continue in this vein; it must stop. It is the sacred duty of all law abiding Guyanese to hold those, who have been entrusted with power, by the people, accountable for their utterances; they should not be allowed to get away with saying whatever they wish without any consideration of the consequences of those utterances. This is important because they have power to shape and influence the lives of individuals, in society; they
The nation will judge the opposition’s response to the Nandlall issue D EAR EDITOR, Thank you for permitting me space in your newspaper to highlight an observation that I’ve made ever since the Kaieteur News came under direct attack from a certain clique within the government. Is our opposition sleeping? From their recent posture in relation to recent unfolding events it would appear obvious that they are. The PPP/C government appears to be getting away with murder as our only voice- the Kaieteur News-finds itself battling for survival under the relentless attack by state entities that are being manipulated by those who have personal agendas. One would have thought that by now the opposition would have done away with wasteful verbal condemnations and adopt a harder stance to defend a newspaper that has been in the forefront of highlighting the illegalities and corruption committed by an administration that will stop at nothing to silence those who stand in their way. The stance taken by Kaieteur News for which it is being persecuted is benefitting all of Guyana and is also a plus for the
opposition parties A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change, who have been given a voice in the pages of this courageous newspaper. One would have thought that by now the opposition would have taken to the streets to demand the resignation of the Attorney General, for that is the only language that this government knows. Nandlall’s racist remarks about his status in the unjust social chain should be ruthlessly condemned by all Guyanese, especially those of East Indian origin. But it would appear that the Opposition Leader David Granger is in a coma and his shadow Home Affairs Minister Winston Felix is intoxicated. I was disgusted when I learnt that Felix called a press conference to address mainly a robbery at the St. Phillips church against the bigger picture that is presently confronting this nation. Don’t get me wrong the robbery committed on the parishioners was a despicable act, but we need to address the bigger picture with more urgency. Come opposition, this nation will judge you on this one. Marcus Faria
The Tuschen Police Outpost has made a positive difference DEAR EDITOR, Please allow me the opportunity to commend Commander Ian Amsterdam for setting up a policing outpost in the Tuschen New Housing Scheme. This was a very good move on the part of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and certainly should be replicated in housing schemes across the country. For quite a while now, residents of Tuschen have been lobbying for the police to set up a permanent base there and we are very pleased that it has become a reality. Prior to the policing outpost being established in Tuschen, there were a series of crimes being committed almost daily—break and enter, street robberies, traffic violations, loud music and a host of other problems involving neighbours. Almost daily one would hear
of a person being robbed or someone being attacked. Now that the police are showing a physical presence in the community, there has been a massive reduction in various crime-related activities. However, this is not to say that all is well in Tuschen - there are still minor robberies being committed and uncaring residents still turn up the volume of their music very loud and disturb their neighbours etc, but most persons would tell you that they now feel safer as they have easy access to law enforcement officers who always seem to be on the ball and ready to deal with any problem. From my interaction with the officers there, I have noticed a high level of professionalism and a desire on their part to ensure there is peace and order in the
community. I hope that the necessary resources would be provided to this small team of officers so that they can continue to carry out their duties in maintaining law and order in the community. I also call on the residents of the community to work along with the police in ensuring that our society is rid of criminals. I suggest a regular engagement between the residents and the police so that all stakeholders will understand and appreciate the challenges face and could offer meaningful contributions to solve the various problems confronting us. Thank you GPF for making us feel safer and comfortable. The Tuschen Police Outpost has made a positive impact in our community. Tariq Khan
have power to actually destroy the lives of citizens. The President should have, by now, requested the resignation of Mr. Anil Nandlall—”the higher breed of India”; who, according to him, is not like Bharrat Jagdeo, Bobby and Brassington. Mr. Nandlall must know that he is not that class. He could not class himself with Mr. Jagdeo. I shudder to think that he is the Attorney General for my country; he is a shame and a big disgrace and should be fired from that position, post haste. But this is Guyana. It is run by a corrupt regime; that will not happen. Mr. Nandlall would remain in office and be emboldened to speak and do other things, without any fear of being sanctioned by the President. This makes the President, Mr. Donald Ramotar, equally culpable. In fact, the entire government must account for the unbecoming and indecent conduct of this so-called Attorney General. No other Attorney General of this country has being accused of such gross misconduct. They, I am sure, are ashamed of Mr. Nandlall. I would be interesting to hear what they have to say about the behaviour of Mr. Nandlall. And what about the girl, purportedly mentioned by Mr. Nandlall, in that conversation; in such a derogatory and disrespectful manner. It was just unbelievable, the words of the Minister about that girl. Who is this man? I hope that the women organizations will come out against this disrespect by Mr. Nandlall for our women; they owe it to themselves and the cause for which they advocate. Rave Persaud
Anil Nandlall has made... From page 4 a trustworthy person. In the telephone conversation Mr. Nandlall boasted of being a very rich man, yet he took money or encouraged others to give to him moneys from the national treasury for his personal uses. In light of all that is said above, it is the duty of the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, through the Will of the People,that Mr. AnilNandlal be removed from his office as Attorney General forthwith. Percy Blakeney
The authorities are misleading a nation
DEAR SIR, Please allow me to express my views on a statement made by Mr. Adam Harris in his ‘’My Column’’ feature and which concerns an issue of immense public and national concern. Mr. Harris wrote, ‘’I was surprised that very few people realized that the Samsung phone has a feature named ‘call recorder’. It is a useful feature because it allows everyone to record all calls. As a reporter I found it so useful because I could not misquote.’’ This quote is in reference to the now ‘’famous’’ taped conversation between a Government Minister and a senior newspaper reporter. If a reporter records a conversation that was directed to him then he has committed NO offence known to our existing laws. The telephone services themselves provide for incoming calls to be recorded with the introduction of the telephone answering machines, and now these services are included automatically on the purchase of certain ‘’sophisticated’’ telephone instruments. What is of enormous concern to me is the serious act of misleading the nation that is taking place by the authorities trying to classify the recording as ‘’Interception of a call’’, or a breach of the “privacy laws’’. In fact, the recording, if it was done by Mr Gildarie as the recipient, fell in NONE of
the above categories of criminal offences. If the recording was done by Mr. Gildarie, and if Mr Gildarie is still on the job as an employee of the Kaieteur News, then the recording takes on a more sinister character of being ‘’Primary Evidence’’ of a very serious criminal conspiracy of which Mr. Gildarie, himself could be a victim. MR. Gildarie had made a Criminal complaint to the police, and he can back it up with good evidence, primary evidence. His complaint should be acted on and the necessary protection should be offered to him, and to everyone concerned. There is no ‘’rocket science’’ to this. However, the real problem to the society occurs when the ‘’Primary evidence’’ operates to link someone for whom others could be directly and inadvertently linked to a serious criminal conspiracy, through the principles of ‘’Cabinet Collective responsibility””, then the picture changes immensely. The entire cabinet and the government can find themselves looking down the wrong side of what can be known as an ‘’informal referendum’’, with the people of a republic calling for the resignation of the entire government. I can understand the need to confuse the issues, but not everyone is this easily fooled. Juliet Holder-Allen (LL.B) Attorney at Law
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GECOM employee dies in accident on birthday An Assistant Registration Officer attached to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) died yesterday morning, on his birthday, in an accident on Clive Lloyd Drive, Georgetown. Dead is 26-year-old Gavin Bachan, of 181 Hope West, Enmore, ECD, who allegedly lost control of his black Toyota Altezza and crashed into the metal-guard rails obliquely opposite to Celina’s Resort, around 03:30 hours on Clive Lloyd Drive. According to Bachan’s distraught mother, Deoratie Gangadin, on the day before the fatal accident (Monday), her son spent most of his time sourcing vehicle parts and seeking mechanical services to fix a problem which had left his vehicle inoperable for
Dead: Gavin Bachan almost a week. After getting the issue corrected and returning home around 17:00 hours that day, Bachan’s mother said that “he took a bath and left again shortly after”, telling her that “he had to collect something.” However, after hours had
elapsed since he left the house, his mother said that she tried “calling him several times, but there was no answer.” Unfortunately, she only found out about her son’s demise when ranks of Kitty Police Station called her home around 04:00 hours yesterday, and informed her that he died in an accident. According to his brother, Kevin Bachan, only one week had elapsed from his “three weeks leave” which he had requested with the intention of celebrating his birthday. Bachan, who was employed at GECOM for the past five years, leaves to mourn his father, Deonarine Bachan, mother, Deoratie Gangadin, brother, Kevin Bachan, GECOM employees, relatives and friends.
Embattled AG finally breaks... (From page 3) every level including the protection of women and children from domestic violence. This takes me to the third issue - that of women. This aspect of the impugned recording has perhaps caused me the greatest personal distress. I have been judged harshly by both the general public and by women’s groups and activists. However, neither of these judgments has been as harsh as the judgments I have received from the women in my life, most notably my wife and my
mother. I wish to assure all women in Guyana of my highest respect and to promise that I will continue to struggle for their rights and respect wherever there remain gaps in the treatment of women in our society. Colleagues, the final issue I wish to clarify relates to a financial transaction to which reference was made in the impugned recording. This has been unfortunately interpreted to implicate me in some form of financial impropriety. I wish to set the record straight on that issue.
Statement rife with... (From page 3) the greatest defence and this will torpedo any effort Nandlall makes to hide behind his legal action. His comment about the female reporter is enough for him to resign. No woman should live with such a person who holds women in such low esteem and calls himself a man. No woman can and should trust him to continue to struggle for their rights and expect him to represent them. He should not be allowed near any woman or girl child. The Attorney General as a lawyer knows that to misappropriate funds and to repay does not negate punishment. Many who have stolen and have made restitution are in jail.
The reference relates to the reimbursement I received for monies I expended on medical treatment. This reimbursement, was approved by Cabinet in a written Cabinet decision dated 20 June 2013. This is, and historically has been, an entitlement of every member of Cabinet long before my appointment. In closing, I wish to take this opportunity to thank each of you here in these chambers for your continued tireless work in support of Guyana’s development. Our recent accomplishment of securing time for Guyana to meet its obligations under the CFATF and FATF is very significant and noteworthy, but I will address that at another time. I wish to also thank you for your support to me personally. I am proud to be leading these chambers and this team of professionals at this unique time in our history, but nothing that I have achieved would have been possible without your efforts and I am indeed personally indebted to you.
Wednesday November 05, 2014
Duo remanded over $6M armed robbery Two men who reportedly entered a store in the Interior pretending to be customers, pulled a gun on an attendant and made off with in excess of $6M in cash and raw gold, appeared in court yesterday. Damaisa Watson, 26, of Lot 102 Strathspey, East Coast Demerara (ECD) and Mark Anthony, 27, of Lot 100 Melanie Damishana, ECD, were arraigned in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. They appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, who remanded them both to jail on a robbery under arms charge. According to the Police, last Wednesday (October 29) around 12:30 hours the two men entered the business premises of Anderson Batista at Tamakay Landing, Mazaruni River, where they met with a worker, Manuel DeArujo. Police Prosecutor, Inspector Michael Grant reported that the two, pretending to be customers, took some pieces of raw gold and gave it to DeArujo asking him to weigh it for them. He explained that it was then that they pulled out guns and dealt the worker several blows about his body causing him to receive injuries. Grant explained that the duo went into the store, opened a ‘canister’ and
removed $4,081,000 as well as 10 ounces of raw gold, valued at $2M. The Prosecution said that Watson and Anthony escaped but the police, who later received word of their whereabouts, arrested them. Grant told the court that the duo was placed on an identification parade and the victim, who knew the two men prior to the incident, identified them as the gun-toting robbers. They were subsequently charged with the offence. In court, Watson and Anthony denied the charge however, and submitted an application for bail. Their lawyer, Peter Hugh, who made the bail petition, will be defending them in this matter in association with Attorneyat-Law Latchmie Rahamat. Hugh told the Court that his clients, both of whom are miners, had never been charged or convicted before. He claimed that his clients were not at the location during the alleged robbery. The lawyer added that Watson and Anthony had been detained by the police for five days before being brought to court. His bail application was objected to by the Prosecutor who asked the court to consider the serious nature, gravity and prevalence of the offence. In his bail objections,
Grant pointed out the hefty sum as well as the fact that a firearm was used in the robbery. He opined that the men were flight risks who would not return to face the charge since they both reside on the East Coast of Demerara and the incident occurred in Mazaruni. His objection was also that the two men know the victim and may “tamper” with him if released on bail. Hugh argued, however, that persons travel to Bartica “all the time” for court matters and added that his clients will return to court. Notwithstanding Hugh’s petition, bail was denied and the matter was transferred to the Bartica Magistrate’s Court. It is set to be called before Magistrate Allan Wilson on November 13.
A Tabatinga, Lethem ranch worker appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to face a simple larceny charge. It is alleged that on October 29, last at St. Ignatius Village, Lethem, Aleem Cartel stole a bicycle valued $45,000, property of Richard Gomes. He pleaded not guilty. When asked if he had any
prior convictions, Cartel answered in the negative, but Police Prosecutor, Michael Grant said that an arrest warrant had been issued for Cartel at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court on September 10 in relation to a possession of narcotics charge. It was then that that charge was read to Cartel. It is alleged that he had 4 grammes of Cannabis in his possession on August 2, last. Though initially hesitant, he pleaded not guilty to the charge. Although the Chief Magistrate as well as Attorney-at-Law Mark Waldron, who the court
asked to appear amicus curae, informed Cartel that the penalty for such a charge was a fine along with community service, Cartel maintained that he was innocent of the allegation. The defendant told the Chief Magistrate that he had missed his court date because he was “working at the ranch”. The Prosecution objected to bail stating since Cartel had missed three court dates, and was a flight risk he who would not return to face the charges. He was remanded to prison and is set to appear at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court on December 1.
Accused: Damaisa Watson
Ranch worker remanded for bicycle theft
Wednesday November 05, 2014
Kaieteur News
Four killed as Saudi Arabia hunts gunmen who attacked Shi’ites (Reuters) - Saudi security forces on Tuesday shot dead two suspected members of an armed group that killed at least eight people in an overnight attack on Shi’ite Muslims marking an important religious anniversary, the Interior Ministry reported. Two security officers also died and two were wounded in the gunbattle in the town of Buraida, north of the capital Riyadh, in which the two suspected militants were killed, the official Saudi Press Agency said, citing an Interior Ministry statement. The late Monday assault on a Shi’ite gathering in alAhsa district may further fray relations between Sunnis and Shi’ites across the Middle East because it coincided with the annual Ashoura commemoration of Shi’ite Islam. Sectarian bloodshed has spread across the Middle East, particularly in Iraq, Syria and Yemen, and has resonance in Saudi Arabia the world’s No. 1 oil exporter and a strategic U.S. ally where some leading clerics of its official, austere Wahhabi
school of Sunni Islam regard Shi’ism as heretical. Interior Ministry security spokesman Major General Mansour Turki told Reuters: “We cannot confirm we are done with the security operations. We have dealt with what the preliminary information provided us with. But these arrests may lead to more information that opens up new areas of operations.” Al-Ahsa is one of Saudi Arabia’s main centers of minority Shi’ites, who like coreligionists around the world at Ashoura are commemorating the death of the Prophet Mohammad’s grandson Imam Hussein with public ceremonies and processions. In Riyadh, an official council of top Sunni Muslim scholars condemned the attack as a “vicious assault and a heinous crime whose perpetrators deserve the harshest religious penalties”. Of the Buraida clash, the ministry said: “The presence of a number of people suspected of involvement in commissioning the terrorist crime was noted, and that they gathered in rest areas in
the al-Mualimin district of Buraida in Qassim Province.” It added that the gunfight started when the suspects fired automatic weapons at police attempting to arrest them, leading to an exchange of fire. It named the dead security officers as Captain Mohammed al-Onaizi and Corporal Turki al-Rashid. Earlier, Dubai-based alArabiya television reported that security forces who had been hunting suspects in the al-Ahsa attack clashed with and killed “a wanted man” at a rest area in Qassim province. A member of the kingdom’s emergency forces also died in the clashes, it said. The Arabiya report could not immediately be confirmed and it was not immediately clear whether it was reporting the same incident. But the interior ministry said a total of 15 people had been arrested over the attack in alDalwah village. “As a group of citizens was leaving a building ... three masked men opened fire at them with machine guns and pistols,” the spokesman was cited as saying by state news agency SPA.
Burkina military leader vows to step aside as world watches OUAGADOUGOU (Reuters) - Burkina Faso’s new military ruler has pledged to hand power to a civilian transitional government, an influential tribal ruler said on Tuesday, a day before a trio of West African leaders was due in Ouagadougou to press the army to relinquish power. The military appointed Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Zida, the deputy commander of the elite presidential guard, as provisional head of state on Saturday, a day after longtime president Blaise Compaore stepped down and fled to neighbouring Ivory Coast. Compaore resigned on Friday following two days of mass protests sparked by his bid to extend his 27year rule by amending the constitution. In the chaos that followed, the army’s move to take control of the transition drew criticism from opposition politicians and international partners. Zida said on Monday he would quickly transfer power to a consensus government in line with Burkina Faso’s constitution. On Tuesday, he met with the influential king
of the country’s majority Mossi ethnic group, Naba Baongo II, who said he had pledged to step aside. “Lieutenant-Colonel Zida and his delegation came to say that they want to hand power over to civilians and we encourage them to move in this direction,” the traditional leader told reporters. “The country must regain its peace and calm.” Zida also met with the head of the constitutional court, which could guide talks on the establishment of a transitional authority that would comply with the national charter. The African Union on Monday set a two-week deadline for the army to leave power or face sanctions. It dispatched a senior official to the capital Ouagadougou in a delegation that also included the United Nations and regional bloc ECOWAS. Opposition leader Zepherin Diabre told journalists after meeting the delegation that Senegalese President Macky Sall, Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria and Ghana’s John Mahama, who holds ECOWAS’s rotating presidency, would travel to Ouagadougou on
Wednesday. “We’re already working in the aim of respecting the deadline,” Diabre said on Tuesday. “If we don’t manage, perhaps (the African Union) will understand,” he added, suggesting the opposition might accept an extension to the deadline.
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T&T’s crime fight in limbo Trinidad Guardian President Anthony Carmona’s inability to fill top posts in the Police Service Commission (PSC), Police Complaints Authority (PCA) and the Integrity Commission (IC) is having a grave impact on the fight against crime and corruption. So said secretary of the Police Service Social and Welfare Association Sgt Michael Seales, as he called on Carmona to move posthaste to fill the vacancies. Seales said: “The failure to select a chairman of the Police Service Commission has serious administrative consequences. The Commissioner of Police cannot go on vacation leave. The commission is unable to monitor and assess his performance in the absence of a chairman of the PSC. “It has also stymied appeals to the commission based on promotion and discipline.” Saying some police officers are being denied due process in cases of dismissal because they had no access to the Police Service Appeal Tribunal, Seales pointed out that the recruitment of senior officers was also being hampered. He added: “At this moment, they cannot recruit a commissioner or deputy commissioner of police, so essentially the absence of the commission chairman has crippled the Police Service in terms of its administrative operability. “This has a ripple effect on the crime fight and issues of accountability and transparency were also affected because there was no director of the Police Complaints Authority. “The investigatory capacity of the PCA is affected gravely because some powers are inherent to the director and are not delegated to any subordinate person. As such, many complaints lodged by
President Anthony Carmona members of the public hang in limbo.” Up to mid-2014, there were 26 police killings, of which 19 were being monitored by the PCA. Of those 19 killings, eight were in the North Eastern Division and six in Central Division. In an interview, Senior Counsel Martin Daly said too many people were uninterested in taking up these presidential appointments because of the negative backlash they faced from politicians and the wider public. Daly, a former Independent Senator, said the lack of appointments was having a serious negative impact on how the country was governed. People might be more inclined to take up posts as commissioners, he felt, if they were assured confidentiality in their affairs. “I query whether the requirement for disclosure to the Integrity Commission is not more than a hindrance than a help,” Daly said, when asked why people were reluctant to accept posts. He explained: “I don’t think honest people have a problem, or need the stimulation of filing declarations with the Integrity
Commission to remain honest. “People have genuine concerns about the confidentiality of information they supply. “This is not intended as a criticism of the Integrity Commission. My suggestion is in relation to these presidential appointments. There may be a case for exempting them from having to comply with the Integrity in Public Life Act.” He said another hindrance was the very personal nature of the attacks that were made on office-holders. He added: “No one expects to be above criticism but it has become standard practice to make criticisms of these people not just by politicians alone. “For example, there is great controversy on the ads that are printed because nobody is owning up to them,” he added, in a reference to a series of media advertisements placed by a group known only as “Citizens 4D Highway”. He said: “I don’t know if all of them will put their business in a filing cabinet in someones’s office. The whole climate has to change.” Former head of the Public Service Reginald Dumas also agreed negative publicity was a hindrance to those wanting to serve. He did not think, however, that the President should place advertisements or hire a professional agency to recruit candidates for the posts. Dumas added: “While I accept that he has a problem to fill these posts, I do not agree that he has to do so openly. I believe he must consult but he has to do so quietly. “There are a lot of vacancies on the commissions and if these vacancies are not filled with people whose reputations can stand up to scrutiny, then there is a problem.”
Jamaican students dominate regional rankings in CSEC The Gleaner - Jamaican students have dominated the regional rankings in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) June 2014 examinations, copping 161 top-ten positions in 30 subjects. Trinidad and Tobago finished behind Jamaica with 109 of its students finishing in the top ten in the region. CSEC is administered by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) and is mostly done by grade 11 students. Jamaican student Nile Anderson of Mannings School has won the CXC
regional award for the Most Outstanding Candidate in the Sciences. He achieved grade one in 13 subjects and grade two in three others. Meanwhile, students from Trinidad & Tobago have dominated the regional rankings in the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE). This almost doubled the number of Jamaican students in top-ten positions. However, two Jamaican students have achieved regional awards in CAPE. Romario White of Campion College has won the Natural Science Award with
grade one in nine units, while Jozelle Dixon of Wolmers Girls’ School has been selected for the Humanities Award. She achieved grade one in seven units. Thwaites welcomes students’ CSEC performance Meanwhile Education Minister Ronnie Thwaites says tributes should be paid to students, teachers and parents who are responsible for the outstanding performances. He says the Ministry is particularly pleased with the performances in technical and vocational subjects.
Wednesday November 05, 2014
Kaieteur News
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The PPP has disgraced itself The PPP is being hypocritical in defending its record of press freedom in the wake of this latest assault launched against Kaieteur News. The PPP has allowed a handful of elements and their cronies inside and outside of the government to further degrade the PPP’s commitment to press freedom. That commitment has always been suspect. The PPP’s agenda has always been more about determining what the media published and broadcast than about allowing for greater diversity of views to be expressed. Admittedly, the PPP has
faced hostility from sections of the media, but that hostility has paled in comparison to the assault that the PPP launched against the independent media in Guyana, including both the Stabroek News and the Kaieteur News. The PPP has been far more intolerant than the PNC towards the independent media. When it does not agree with what is published, it resorts to accusing the independent media of being in bed with the opposition parties. And especially during election period, the PPP develops paranoia towards
Dem boys seh... De tongue is dangerous and a quarter does loosen it The amazing truth about the human tongue: It takes three years to learn how to use it. But, it takes a lifetime to learn when and where to use it. Is three years since Anil tun AG but he still ain’t learn how to use he tongue. Dem boys know fuh sure that it gun tek he 3 lifetime fuh learn when and where to use it. After all he seh that he is a Chat-3. Although one man seh that he is de fuss Chamaar to tun Chat-3. He spill he guts, he heart and he dutty mind on de phone. De world listen. People from as far as de States want to know if that was really de Attorney General of Guyana talking. Dem thought that it was some low-life while others in Guyana know that he is no better. Some in Canada want fuh know if he fool Donald all he life. Now that Donald hear de tape fuh heself and still standing by this man, people talking all over, wha kind of man Donald is. Anil get immediate constipation when de tape release. It tek almost two week fuh he get a bowel movement
and when he get that movement he spout so much sh** that de whole nation got to hold its breath. This man admit that he tek taxpayer money, spend it pun he private business and only pay it back because he get ketch. Now he behaving like Dracula, he hide by day and come out by night wid dark shades. He been to Navin funeral in dark shades and as soon as Donald done give he speech he beat out in shame. He didn’t even tun up at de cremation site. Anil got nuff more hiding to do. He betray he friend, de reporter; he betray Donald because he deny that he talk to de reporter de day in question. Is only when he get ketch again that he admit to Donald that he talk to Adam. Then de tape out and Donald find out that he lie. But by then poor Donald realize that boat gone a falls. He did done issue a statement. Now he got to try fuh tough things out. Dem boys hope Donald realize that this ain’t got no tough out. Talk half and seh goodbye to Anil.
sections of the media. During the 2006 elections it accused the Stabroek News of siding with the AFC. As the campaign for elections for government came closer, the PPP did not place ads with that newspaper. It was illogical and stupid, because the best way to counter an opposition would be for the government to use that very medium where a dissenting view is published to counter that view. After the 2006 elections, the hammer came down on both Stabroek News and CNS Channel 6. State ads were withheld from Stabroek News in a move which was interpreted as an attempt to stifle the newspaper and force it out of the market so as to benefit another newspaper
closely aligned to certain PPP elements. The PPP has proven itself no better than the PNC when it comes to press freedom. The PPP has exceeded the PNC in terms of its subversion of the State media, turning into an echo of the ruling party and seriously limiting balanced and fair reporting. The PPP has matched the PNC in terms of using libel suits to muzzle free expression. Instead of liberalizing the media to widen ownership and participation, its liberalization has allowed for its cronies to gain a virtual monopoly on national coverage, while the regime window dresses its liberalization by allowing some persons to operate what amounts to village radio
stations. The duty to protect and promote free expression resides with the government. It is a negative obligation. It is for the government to refuse to do anything that hinders free expression and the freedom of the media. It matters not what sort of criticisms the government faces. It cannot, regardless of its own interpretation of the agendas that are at work, take a decision to go after the media in the way it has done against Kaieteur News. State repression has been unleashed against Kaieteur News. First, the media was vilified on the political platforms of the PPP. The private sector was encouraged by a leader of the PPP to consider whether it
should advertise within the Kaieteur News. There was discriminatory distribution of State ads to Kaieteur News. Surveillance cameras were placed on a building not far from Kaieteur News to monitor who was giving information to this newspaper. For the first time ever in the history of the media in the Caribbean, the tax authorities were unleashed on the Kaieteur News and trumped up charges levied against the publisher and his wife. This is unprecedented in the history of the Caribbean. Continued on page 30
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday November 05, 2014
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Was Henry Greene a victim of the PPP’s caste system? Why would any independent analyst believe that Mr. Nandlall’s announcement of the higher caste to which he belongs was just an ephemeral wind that passed through his mind as he spoke in the taped conversation with KN journalist Leonard Gildarie? Why would any political observer believe that there is no other politician in the PPP hierarchy that thinks like Anil Nandlall? There are, and they go right into the hierarchy of the PPP’s leadership. If Nandlall and others in the PPP leadership accept that Indians in Guyana belong to a caste ladder, then where does that leave African Guyanese? Here is something that I did not tell my lawyers when
the trial of the Jagdeo libel writ against me began. I have never put it in print. I never mentioned it even to my wife and daughter. I can’t recall telling anyone about it. It was there in my sub-conscious, but it was left buried there and never rose to the surface of my conscious mind (in Freudian terms so to speak). Why did I not tell my lawyers about it? First, I felt they would have said it was too sordid to pronounce in court, and in any case, we had sufficient material to prove that President Jagdeo presided over a government that practiced racial discrimination. Secondly, I felt it was so profane that people out
there might have said that Freddie is hitting below the belt. Thirdly, I was scared that if my lawyers found it to be damning evidence and used it in court, its effect might have been so devastating that violent vindictiveness may visit me. I thought this thing was so nasty that I should leave it alone. The only time this thing came up in my mind was when the then Commissioner of Police Henry Greene got into a legal tsunami over his sex act with a woman who said she was raped. It struck me that given all the Commissioner had done for the PPP, the PPP never came to his rescue as they did when many high-
ranking PPP leaders were alleged to have done what Greene did. But they were East Indians. With this Nandlall caste infamy swirling around Guyana at the moment, the thought about what happened to Greene suddenly flew into my head and popping out of my head, too, is this thing about which I have kept quiet for so long. One evening in 1995, my longstanding friend, Malcolm Harripaul invited me to swim and use the sauna at Castellani House. Malcolm and I have been friends for ages. We knew each other since we were late teens and I liked him because I think he is as crazy as I am. At the time, Malcolm was the head of the Fraud Squad overseeing the operations of Customs and Excise. While we were in the sauna, a two-man team came in – Mr. MBA and the Champion. The discussion
inevitably had to involve UG. This is what the Champion of Dirt said, and Malcolm Harripaul is a witness. “Ya’ll gat dem Blaaackmaan f…ing dem coolie girls at UG.” If this was the way these policy–makers think about African Guyanese men then the implications are horrible to contemplate when you think these policy-makers are the bosses of African men who work in the public service. Giving testimony during my libel trial, I told Mr. Jagdeo’s lawyer that I can cite several instances where high–ranking Indian state sector bosses were guilty of criminal financial conduct but were dismissed rather than prosecuted. Did this have to do with the caste system that the PPP embraces and that Anil Nandlall admitted to? Was the abandonment of Henry Greene (this must not be read to mean I agreed with what Greene did; I do not, but I am
Frederick Kissoon being analytical here) by the PPP, related to the caste system? Even though Nandlall is the focus, the society must not lose sight of the fact that Nandlall’s state of mind is symptomatic of what lies in the Freudian cupboards of the PPP. And I don’t think anyone of them is a rejectionist of the caste system. On the contrary, caste is very much alive in the personal world of PPP leaders. Caste is intricately bound up with the possession of wealth. The more wealth you have, the higher caste you are assigned. And this is where one can locate its manifestations inside the PPP. It is public knowledge that Mr. Jagdeo, a devout Hindu, has no close friend from the working class or middle class. They all come from the super-rich strata.
Wednesday November 05, 2014
Kaieteur News
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US$2M-plus bids tendered for Air Traffic Controllers still to Public Works consultancy services receive certification after completing training course
Under the Ministry of Public Works there was a financial opening for the consultancy services for final designs and construction supervision. The bids were opened yesterday by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), Ministry of Finance, Main Street.
Additionally, the Public Works Ministry received one bid for the rehabilitation of Moleson Creek Acrow Panel Bridge # 2, Corentyne, Berbice, Region six.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs received two bids for the procurement of vehicles for the Guyana Police Force. The bids were divided into six lots.
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport received bids for the installing of new air conditioning units for the National Cultural Centre.
For the supply of electrical items, the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) received two bids.
Still within the sector, three bids were submitted for the construction of a one-storey structure to the southern section of the GEA’s Head Office, Quamina Street, South Cummingsburg.
The Ministry of Local Government & Regional Development received three bids for the rehabilitation of the diagnostic centre (Blood Bank Building), Suddie Hospital Complex, Essequibo Coast, region two.
By Zena Henry Almost five months after the local aviation authority announced that eight new Air Traffic Control Officers (ATCOs) received certification to assume tower control at the Ogle and Cheddi Jagan International Airports, the controllers say they are yet to be accredited and they believe that the administration is intentionally withholding their documents. The ATCOs completed various training courses that were being offered over a twoyear period. They are trained to maintain the safe, orderly and expeditious flow of air traffic within the country’s air traffic control system. It is their view, however, that the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is gravely concerned that workers will quit the job as soon as they are provided with their official approval. In June, the GCAA had announced that after completing two years of training, eight Air Traffic Control Officers (ATCOs) were certified to operate at the country’s two major airports. A press release had spoken of how well the ATCOs performed during the training course and how the organization was impressed with the “zest and professionalism demonstrated by the new batch.” However, the following day, irate ATCOs had contacted the publication refuting that they had been certified. They claimed that they were not receiving the salary and benefits entitled to them. One of the ATCOs who requested anonymity told the publication that despite being trained and qualified to operate in the field, they were not being acknowledged. The controller explained that the officers were receiving salaries as
- say administration fearful staff will quit with accreditation assistants rather than ATCOs. It was explained further that the eight persons had finished their training in December of 2013, and had been functioning unsupervised since January of this year. It was stated that the officers had also been a p p o i n t e d t e m p o r a r i l y. They complained about being issued their work licences two months after starting their training, when they were supposed to have been issued in a matter of 14 days. They further claimed that there was no discussion based on the inconsistencies in what was agreed upon. Despite letters being dispatched to the GCAA pertaining to the dues of the ATCOs, the matter had not been addressed and no official word was given the officers had claimed. However, the ATCOs say they are now functioning under the correct pay, but are still not accredited. While there was also talk about what was claimed to be benefits due to the ATCOs based on their position, head of the GCAA Zulficar Mohamed said that the workers will receive all that is due to them. During a telephone interview with Mohamed yesterday, Kaieteur News was informed that there are plans to equip the ATCOs with their certification next month. “There is a proposal for them (ATCOs) to receive their certificates in December,” the Director General explained. He told the publication that ICAO (International Civil
Av i a t i o n O rg a n i z a t i o n ) Day is held in December and the Authority is seeking to make the presentations then. When asked about concerns of staffers leaving the job following receipt of their qualifications, Mohamed said that he believes that if a staffer wants to leave they will do so at anytime. He mentioned, however, that while the Authority is not basing any decisions o n t h a t p o s s i b i l i t y, t h e issue of workers leaving the job after receiving their qualification is a matter of concern. He noted that so f a r t w o AT C O s h a v e already left the job and it would not be farfetched that workers would have wanted their certificates. One of the ATCOs told Kaieteur News that while their salary has been brought up to date with their position, many persons are still very concerned about being accredited. He said that the ATCOs are still unclear as to why the certificates have not been issued. Kaieteur News was told that the ATCOs completed the Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) course, but no document to say they are qualified as AIS officers was issued. They say they had to wait some three months before they received licences following the aerodromes and approach control course, and another nine months before being paid accordingly. The ATCOs say they operate under essential services and believe that there are certain benefits due to them. They say however that their concerns continue to be ignored.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday November 05, 2014
AG’s office attracts one-man protest….
Nandlall described as “toxic, radioactive Minister” An overseas-based Guyanese, Courtney CrumEwing, is seeking 1000 signatures as part of a protest to register disgust with the recent utterances by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall. CrumEwing launched his protest in front of the Attorney General (AG)’s Carmichael Street office yesterday. Nandlall, during a recorded conversation with senior Kaieteur News reporter Leonard Gildarie, hinted at an imminent, sinister plot against Kaieteur News publisher and staff. As a result, he advised the senior reporter to leave the organization as soon as possible, because it would be sooner rather than later that men with “weapons” would walk into the newspaper’s offices. Crum- Ewing’s protest saw several passersby providing their signatures in support of the protest. He
disclosed that yesterday saw him receive almost 100 signatures. The placard that he was holding read “Yes Democracy, No Class/Race Domination.” Underscoring that he is a Queen’s College alumnus who returned to Guyana one year ago, Crum-Ewing emphasised that “this is about Mr Nandlall and that office that no longer welcomes him. I don’t know why he is still sitting there; this is not a family business and does not belong to the Chatri clan. We had honourable people who passed through that office…and nothing about Mr Nandlall is honourable, he does not deserve to sit in a chair similar to the one in which he now sits. “History will be kind to him if he decides to fold his Chatri tent and walk, but if he is forced out, which is what the masses intend to do, then so be it. It’s time these people get the message that we are
all Guyanese and we love our country and we are not going to put up with degenerates, hazardous material, toxic people or radioactive Ministers of Government.” Alluding to the fact that the Attorney General has become an overnight disgrace to this country, Crum-Ewing said no Minister should ever speak in such a manner, irrespective of whether the conversation was private or public. “Anil Nandlall refuses to apologise to the people of this nation. He is the epitome of disrespect and a prime example of what is wrong with the leaders of this country. It made me sick when his party came out and endorsed him as A t t o r n ey General. This gentleman should be made to resign and I am going to remain here defiant, in accordance with the law, in order for Nandlall to get the message that no one is afraid
Overseas-based Guyanese, Courtney Crum-Ewing, protesting in front of the Attorney General’s Carmichael Street office yesterday.
of him. There are qualified individuals out there to do his job, and do it a whole lot better than he is doing it. He needs to understand that his time is up.” Asserting that the post of AG is not a private or family business, Crum-Ewing said this is only one of many reasons why Guyana has problems garnering respect from the international community. “Nobody takes us seriously because we accept people who can spend money wantonly and those who can jump up and speak on behalf of Guyanese even if it means disrespecting the US Ambassador. We have a long history of accepting nonsense. We have accepted this kind of lawlessness for too long. And as a patriot it’s hard to watch our country go down the drain. The struggle is a struggle for all of us. It’s obvious that the people in Guyana have other priorities, they are either too hungry to
struggle or too distracted with too many bills, and underpaid. It’s clearly about survival. “You can’t seem to get Guyanese to understand like the Surinamese do and the Bajans do that if the price of something goes up by a dollar and you have a problem with that dollar, it must go back down! No one has to accept that dollar, those are lessons we need to adopt when we want to have a proper country and a proper life. The same goes for other issues.” Further, Crum-Ewing noted that “I have a problem with the press coming out of Guyana. I am so embarrassed to say that I have never brought my kids to Guyana. Every time I have a conversation about bringing my kids to Guyana I have to answer to something negative pertaining to crime, health and the ugly things that are happening. That’s what they get from the press coming out of Guyana. I have
a tough time convincing them that Guyana is a beautiful place.” Crum-Ewing declared that he “served Guyana as an athlete, a member of law enforcement overseas, and as a student; I deserve to have a voice in this place. The police were here (outside the AG’s office) and they were respectful and I complied with the law and alternated my signs and placards as requested, and I will continue with my protest.” Meanwhile, contractor Brentnol Holder continued his one-man protest yesterday in support of Kaieteur News outside the media house’s Saffon Street office. He said all CARICOM countries should not take their eyes off of what is happening with democracy in Guyana. Holder said he plans to carry on the fight with prayers and a liquid fast since he is asking the churches and well-wishers to pray for Kaieteur News.
Wednesday November 05, 2014
Kaieteur News
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PAC bashes Supreme Court, Amerindian Affairs Ministry for poor accounting systems By Kiana Wilburg The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and the Supreme Court of Judicature paid for their lack of preparedness when their representatives faced vigilant members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Monday. They were highly critical of the many current and still unresolved financial irregularities that stemmed from the entities’ poor accounting systems. The lack of contributions or meaningful ones at that, from some PAC members, was also a matter of contention, and while the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) did well when it faced the Committee, particularly in clearing up a number of outstanding matters, this is the least PAC Chairman, Carl Greenidge could say for the Amerindian Affairs Ministry and Supreme Court. With regard to the Ministry, Greenidge surmised that its general reporting was “so poor” that it was instructed to return to the drawing board, do proper investigative work and upon its next session with the committee, provide “proper answers in relation to certain discrepancies.’” Greenidge mentioned that he was particularly perturbed that ministries continue to have a problem with tackling overpayment to contractors. He cited that the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs for example, overpaid $7.869M to a contractor. This was a
- ill-preparedness by own members also highlighted project that was piloted by the said ministry, but the money was never recovered. The Auditor General’s report cited that the contract was awarded in the sum of $14M, and the full amount was paid to the contractor. However, based on physical verification on site, it was revealed that over $7M was overpaid. The Ministry said, however, that the contractor subsequently lost the contract and was notified that he would have to repay the overpaid amount by September 30. The contractor is yet to acknowledge the notice. PAC Member Bibi Shadick had insisted that staff members be held accountable for such overpayments. Greenidge informed that the Ministry was also heavily criticized for its failure to properly address unresolved matters from over the years, which include poor recordkeeping. Before delving into the misgivings of the Supreme Court of Judicature, Greenidge mentioned that the Auditor General (AG), Deodat Sharma, was also called into question. He said that Sharma is yet to explain the status of the World Cup 2010 committee and what happened with the funds from the event, except to say that
it is now under the control of National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL). “This remains a suspicious problem and we intend to get to the bottom of it,” Greenidge added. As for the Supreme Court, the PAC Chairman explained that while the AG did not find any problem with the High Court, but there were major irregularities in the Magistrates’ Courts. “The percentage of the criminal and civil case dockets in the Georgetown, West Demerara and East Demerara Magisterial Districts that are missing is too disturbing, and no proper reason could be given to justify this. We eventually decided in the end to let them go back and fix this problem. Based on what was explained, there seems to be no proper system in place to document the movement of case dockets. They have to get it right,” the PAC Chairman lamented. The AG’s 2012 report points out that there are 2,800 case dockets that could not be found during the period under review. Greenidge noted that another key problem for the Judicature is, cost overruns for contractors. He said, “For example, there was one matter where
PAC Chairman, Carl Greenidge one contractor would be awarded a contract to build four magistrates’ courts and he would be paid the money in full. Then when the work is not completed and more money is paid without certain penalty clauses being in place in the contract. When you look at the improper arrangements for the contracts and the loss of documents germane to the work of the Judicature, it is astonishing when you consider it all.” The Supreme Court of Judicature is still to account for over $14 million that was discovered outstanding more than a decade ago. The
irregularities were uncovered by the Auditor General at various Magisterial Districts during 1995 to 2001 and estimated losses amounting to $14.476M remained outstanding. Rashid Mohamed, acting Registrar of the Supreme Court, reported to the PAC that there was one other recent instance of missing monies, but the perpetrator was caught, charged and convicted. The acting Registrar was questioned about the subsequent systems that were put in place since the $14M incident and what led to another breach. Mohamed
told the PAC that the only mechanism that was implemented was the rotation of staff, along with stringent supervision. But this, in light of the evidence he provided, was deemed inadequate. The PAC Chairman then told him to get the systems reassessed, for it sends a bad message that the court system has persons internally who are committing the offences for which it prosecutes individuals. Additionally, it was observed that the majority of the questions for Monday’s PAC proceedings came from those members who are of the government. Greenidge made known that PAC member Shadick was most critical and vocal about the ministries. He noted too that another member, Manzoor Nadir, was also critical of the termination process of contracts and jobs and made reference to the Labour Laws, which Mohamed seemed not to be familiar with. As for the three Opposition members who were present, Keith Scott and Ernest Elliot of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), and Trevor Williams of the Alliance For Change (AFC), there was little questioning from this side. Williams was noted as making a few comments among some questions, but Scott and Elliot made no contributions to the proceedings. Questioned on this, the Continued on page 15
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday November 05, 2014
Ramotar threatens elections if opposition forces no-confidence motion It is almost certain that Guyana may be heading into early elections with Head of State, Donald Ramotar, last evening signaling his intentions to dissolve Parliament if the Oppositioncontrolled National Assembly goes ahead with its intentions to debate a no-confidence motion against the Government. Ramotar made the announcement in a State address broadcast on the National Communications Network (NCN). He also announced that next Monday will be first sitting of the National Assembly after the recess. The Ramotar administration, which has been facing one crisis after the next after conceding Parliamentary control in the 2011 General Elections, encountered another one in early October when the annual two-month recess ended, but there was disagreement on a date for the reconvening of the sittings of the country’s highest lawmaking forum. The disagreements had to do with which party- the Speaker of the House,
…holds out promise of local govt. polls mid-next year
President Donald Ramotar
AFC Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan
APNU’s Leader, David Granger
Raphael Trotman, or ruling Peoples Progressive Party/ Civic - had the right to set the date. The situation has been one of stalemate since then. To compound matters, the smaller of the two Opposition entities, Alliance For Change (AFC), has signaled intentions to move a noconfidence motion against the
Government side over what it says are flagrant violations. The larger Opposition faction, A Partnership For National Unity (APNU), has also made it clear that it will be supporting AFC in the motion. However, the President yesterday made it clear that Parliament has other issues to deal with other than a no-
confidence motion. These include passage of the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML-CFT) Legislation, the Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s liberalization legislation; the Education Bill and its sweeping overhaul of public education that lifts every child in Guyana, and Financial
Gold falls to lowest in four years The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment, along with the Guyana Gold Board, yesterday said it is continuing to monitor the trade of gold and the movements in prices over the last couple of weeks. “Gold held near the lowest since 2010 on expectations the Federal Reserve is preparing to raise interest rates while other central banks add stimulus, boosting the dollar and hurting bullion demand,” the Ministry said in a statement yesterday. Gold futures were little changed in New York as a decline in U.S. equities boosted demand for the
precious metal as an alternative investment. Gold tumbled almost 5 percent last week, dropping to the lowest since 2010 on October 31. “The weakness in the equity market is providing some support to gold. Also, the dollar is taking a breather, and that is helping gold. The metal swung between gains and losses, dropping as much as 0.5 percent and climbing 0.4 percent earlier on the European Commission’s cut to euro-area growth forecasts.” The precious metal dropped to $1,160.50 on October 31, the lowest for a
most-active contract since July 2010. “Gold just holds above $1,158, the 61.8% retracement level of the move from the October 2008 low to the September 2011 highs. The gold bears remain in firm technical control as prices trade not far above the recent four-year low. The key “outside markets” remain in overall bearish postures for the precious metals—a stronger U.S. dollar and slumping crude oil prices.” According to the Ministry, the “outside market” feature was the drop in crude oil prices to a threeyear low of US$75.84.
“Combined with the appreciating value of the U.S. dollar, these two outside markets have been a major influence on other markets the past few weeks—and especially a negative force for the raw commodity sector, including gold and silver.” Gold has been the biggest foreign currency earner for Guyana in recent years. However, world prices fell from a high of almost US$1,900 per ounce to below US$1,200 sending local producers scrambling last year. The industry had been attracting workers in droves, but a number of operations have closed.
Papers providing for expenditure of public funds for development projects, and improving the welfare of the people. Ramotar had a warning for the National Assembly if it went ahead with the noconfidence debate while the other matters are pending. “I disclose these, my intentions, on the assumption that the post-recess sittings of the National Assembly would proceed uninterruptedly, deliberating on the urgent matters I have listed in the interest of the people of Guyana. I also wish to declare that were this not to be so, and I am provided with reasons to believe that the Parliamentary Opposition intends to disrupt Government’s business by forcing a debate on their No Confidence Motion, I resolve to respond immediately by exercising my Constitutional options to either Prorogue or Dissolve Parliament paving the way for holding of General Elections.” The ruling party is facing its worst rating in its two decades of continuous administration. Poor relations with the media, accusations of corruption and questions over several multi-billiondollar State projects led to a drubbing in the 2011 elections, leaving the PPP/C as a minority Government. Yesterday, Ramotar said that now the Parliamentary recess has ended, the National Assembly must resume its deliberations to address several of those “very important matters” not completed at the beginning of the recess. New matters are also included. With regards to the hosting of the long-overdue Local Government Elections, the President said that he has been advised that the Guyana Elections Commission will require six months to prepare
for Local Government Elections under the new local Government electoral system. “Pending further consultations with the Guyana Elections Commission on its preparations, I also now announce my intention to hold Local Government Elections in the Second Quarter of next year, 2015.” Local Government Elections have been a sore issue for the administration, with international pressure mounting for polls to be held. The last time, elections were held were in the 1990s. WE WILL NOT BE THREATENED OR INTIMIDATED -APNU Meanwhile, Opposition coalition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), late last evening responded to the President’s remarks. The following is the coalition’s statement. “A Partnership for National Unity –APNU is extremely disappointed by the views expressed by President Donald Ramotar in his address to the nation this evening (4th November 2014). It is clear that President Ramotar is trying to intimidate the opposition by threatening General and Regional Elections and putting Local Government Elections far into the future. APNU will not be threatened or intimidated. After deliberately delaying the post–recess sitting of the National Assembly by several weeks, APNU feels strongly that the President’s new found urgency to bring to the floor of the National Assembly “urgent matters…in the interest of the people of Guyana” to be disingenuous. APNU views the President’s ‘threat’ to prorogue or dissolve the Parliament as a cowardly act. The Parliament is intended to be a place for debate. President Ramotar is choosing to dissolve Parliament instead of facing up to a debate on the PPP/C’s abysmal record.”
Wednesday November 05, 2014
Kaieteur News
PPP “shall overcome” Nandlall issue - Rohee - Notes matter hasn’t attracted attention of Party’s disciplinary committee By Abena Rockcliffe Even as he expressed tremendous optimism that the publicized recording of a conversation between the Attorney General Anil Nandlall, and Senior Kaieteur News Reporter, Leonard Gildarie, has done little or no damage, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Clement Rohee is adamant “we (Party) shall overcome.” The politician was at the time speaking at the party’s weekly press conference. Rohee, at the forum, delivered three statements on behalf of his Party but none was about one of the most major issues facing the Guyanese society and that is the threat to press freedom which is imperative in a democracy. However, he entertained questions on the issue and advocated for reporters to ask questions on the issue even when the PPP executive secretary Zulfikar Mustapha made it known that he was not prepared to allow any more queries on that particular issue. Rohee, in his answers to the many questions pitched at him, reflected an unwavering support for Nandlall and even suggested that there was no immorality echoed in the profanity-laced recording. Asked how the PPP plans to recover from the incident, Rohee in turned questioned,
PPP General Secretary, Clement Rohee “what has happened to make us sickly?” Rohee emphasised that the PPP has “weathered more difficult storms than this.” He added that “Whatever damage might have been done, if any at all, we shall overcome.” Responding to a question as to whether the matter has attracted the attention of the PPP’s disciplinary committee, Rohee responded in the negative. He said that only the Party’s executive committee can make the decision to send a matter to that committee, and that that has so far not been done. Rohee told reporters that he sees the matter differently from most sections of the media. The politician added that he noticed several statements made by Nandlall
in the recording that did not capture the attention of the media. Some of those statements that the General Secretary pointed to include the fact that the Attorney General said that he is not a thief, that he said he has no ulterior motives, and that his wife was innocent. “These have not been captured, these are matters that should be reported too,” said Rohee. In his capacity as Minister of Home Affairs—the Minister with responsibility for the security of every Guyanese citizen, Rohee was asked if he was at all concerned about the safety of those working at Kaieteur News who may be just as “innocent” as Nandlall’s wife. He said, “Whatever concerns I have are being addressed by the Guyana Police Force.” Rohee was also asked if the Attorney General had at any point indicated to the fact that he was aware of a possible plan to result in an attack on Kaieteur News and take “innocent lives.” To this, the Minister responded that he would “prefer not to fuel that school of thought.” He said every story has two sides “I want to look at the other side of the coin.” Rohee added that there are two sides of the issue “wire tapping is one side of it and threats is the other side of it.”
Culture Ministry launches indigenous languages music festival At a press conference this past Monday, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport announced plans to conduct the first ever Indigenous Song Festival. The festival will be held on November 30 at the National Cultural Centre. The concert will feature seven of the nine Indigenous languages found in Guyana. Andrew Tindel, Administrator at the National School of Music, announced that the festival was initiated as a way to further educate citizens on the Indigenous languages that are uniquely found within the country. The objective of the concert, as stated by Tindel, will be to “record and disseminate” the linguistic heritage of Guyana’s first peoples. According to an organizer of the event, Ovid Williams,
his team managed to make contact with tribes across the region, with the exception of the Carib and Wai Wai. “These two tribes live in very remote areas of the country and we have had difficulty in reaching their locations,” said Williams, “the journey to the Wai Wai tribe would take two weeks… the group would need more time to prepare.” Set to perform at the festival are the Arawak, Arecuna, Akawaio, Macuchi, Patomona, Wapishana, and Warrau tribes. Patrons can expect to hear music that span genres and can even look forward to rap performances. In addressing the media, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony expressed that his ministry is dedicated to advancing the linguistic education of
Guyanese Indigenous languages. According to him, the Culture Ministry has helped to publish dictionaries for at least seven of the indigenous languages in the region. Dr. Anthony said that these standardized books are vital to the survival of the languages. “There are so many different languages that Guyanese do not know about,” explained the Minister, “the language speakers are dwindling and we need to save our linguistic heritage.” In launching the Indigenous Song Festival, Dr. Anthony is hoping that it will help popularize the language of Guyana’s first peoples, to the point where we can have the songs become a common staple of the country’s airwaves.
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Cambio dealer robbery…
Three ex-cops positively identified The three men who were nabbed in a car after they allegedly had just robbed a Cambio dealer of a quantity of money on Monday are all ex-policemen. Although no weapon was found, a bag with money, a hood and a police cap badge were among the items recovered. On Monday, due to quick action by the Police in Berbice they were able to intercept a car that was carrying three men who were suspected to have robbed the Cambio dealer of his bag which contained a quantity of foreign currency and over $1.5M Guyana dollars. According to information, around noon, money changer Heeralall was on his way home on his motor cycle when in the vicinity of Cotton Tree, his path was blocked by a motor car containing three men. The men in the white heavily-tinted motor car which had on a false number plate, wound down the
- No guns recovered; bag with money, hood and badge found windows and shouted “police”, before showing the man a badge. Heeralall attempted to drive away, but his path was blocked. Two of the men came out and accosted the man telling him that he is wanted at the police station. His bag with the money was taken away and he was told to walk to the car. However, as he was making his way to the vehicle accompanied by two of the men they sprinted away, reentered the car and the vehicle sped away. The police were informed and mounted a roadblock at Fort Wellington, West Coast Berbice, where the men were intercepted. The men protested their innocence and stated that they were police officers. However, they were arrested and taken
into custody. The bag with money and the other items were found in the vehicle. The three men, who reportedly hail from Albouystown, Georgetown, Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara and Zorg-enHoop Scheme, Blairmont, West Bank Berbice, were arrested and placed in custody. The suspected getaway car with registration plate, PSS 5406, is owned by one of the suspects. The men are said to be constantly changing their story and have stated that they were hired by the victim to stage the robbery, and the money was to be divided. However, investigators are not buying their story. Investigations are ongoing and charges are likely to be laid soon.
PAC bashes Supreme Court... From page 13 PAC Chairman said it may point to the lack of preparation and lack of familiarity with the matters being discussed. He said that this shouldn’t be, as both have been parliamentarians for quite some time. “At the end of the day, either side or members rather, are supposed to have some form of contribution to make, and it’s the opposition that is supposed to be holding the government to account or under the microscope and not government on itself,” Greenidge asserted. Scott was contacted yesterday by this publication
and asked for a reason why he did not make any contribution to the proceedings on Monday. He responded, “Shadick did an excellent job…she said all the right things and so I felt there was no need for me to intervene…” House Speaker, Raphael Trotman had spoken about the need for a budgetary office to assist members of the PAC in preparing effective questions for ministries and other entities it would have to examine. Trotman had stated that based on what he has noticed, there is need to strengthen the functions of
the PAC with the implementation of a Budget Control Office. “This is necessary so that Members of Parliament (MPs) are better advised on accounting expertise and how to ask the right questions, and not perhaps ask the same questions over and over. I know that some of you may not want to admit to that, but I think that the MPs need to have the services of a fully functioning Budget Control Office, so that when they come to the meetings they know what to look for, what to ask and how to ask…”
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Education Ministry notes increase in top performing schools “Hard work produces success” is the firm conviction of Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand. Her utterance was forthcoming as she addressed a gathering of education stakeholders at the National Cultural Centre recently. The Minister was at the time speaking of the outstanding national performers who were honoured last week at the 2014 National Education Awards ceremony. And according to her, the outstanding performances that Guyana has been producing over the years have much to do with the efforts of teachers who are tasked with delivering quality education to the nation’s children. She underscored too that the delivery of education today is also done in an equitable manner. The Minister in her deliberations therefore reflected on a time when only certain schools were regarded as ‘better than the rest’, a state of affairs that she insists has become a thing of the past. In fact, in reflecting
on a time when she attended primary level school, she disclosed that “I could have boasted that I came from the best primary school – Stella Maris.” But the Minister in interacting with the education stakeholders was assured that Stella Maris is certainly not the best of all primary schools. She quickly conceded that like Stella Maris Primary and other primary schools, secondary schools as well across the country are performing well. “There is no one best school anymore. When I went to school, all the children who got Queen’s College (and everybody used to fight to get Queen’s College because that was the premier school) came from Stella Maris and St Margaret’s, and you got a sprinkling from some other schools like St Gabriel’s and St Agnes, maybe one and two from St Angela’s...everybody else went to school in their Regions,” the Education Minister recounted. In emphasising that “that’s not so anymore” the Minister noted that when the
Ministry announces results, such as the National Grade Six Assessment, students listed among the top two per cent are no longer from the Georgetown schools alone. “We are announcing children from Cropper in Region Six, Skeldon and Anna Regina and Suddie, and Leonora and Cornelia Ida, Linden, Arapaima in Region Nine...students from all over this country,” the Education Minister proudly asserted. These top performing children, many of whom went to Queen’s College, also turned out to be the top performers too at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination. “This (Queen’s College) was ‘The School’...while they might want to argue that this is still ‘The School’, I would rather suspect that all of you in here will tell them not so,” the Minister told her attentive audience, whose reaction embraced her observation. Moreover, the Minister went on to note that the top performers of the country
Some of the top performers who were recently honoured by the Ministry of Education today no longer hail from Queen’s College alone and they are able to secure “more (Grade) Ones than you can count. These are students from Skeldon Line Path Secondary, Saraswati (Vidya Niketan) in Region Three, J. C. Chandisingh, and this year when we were announcing the results and we said
Essequibo Islands Secondary there were people who asked ‘What! Where is that?’ This is somewhere in an island in the Essequibo...” Added to this, the Minister noted that “we made an announcement that there was a child who came within the top students from North West Secondary. Do you know where that is on the
map?” she questioned. She continued her deliberations by categorically pointing out that, that while schools that have been known to perform well, continue to perform well; they are now joined by other schools that have never been heard of before. This the Minister attributed to the equity in the delivery of education.
Bail for quartet accused of stealing GT&T cables Four men accused of stealing cables from Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T), were placed on $60,000 bail each by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday. Roland George, 30, of 118 ‘B’ Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, Seon Niggins, 28, of 47 West La Penitence, Georgetown, Michael Ramlogan, 42, of 355 South Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara and Tennessee Clarkson, 32, of 621 ‘B’ Field Sophia, were arraigned on a simple larceny charge. It is alleged that between September 29 and September 30, last, at Sophia, Greater Georgetown, the quartet stole 82 feet of aerial cable, belonging to the telecommunications company, and valued at $71,600. According to Police
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Accused: Two of the men at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday
Prosecutor, Inspector Michael Grant, between those dates personnel from GT&T were conducting an exercise in Sophia when they noticed the cables on a utility pole was missing. The matter was reported. Grant said that acting on information received, the cables were found at the back of Sophia. Following police investigations, the four men were arrested and charged with simple larceny. In court, the men pleaded and submitted bail applications through their lawyers. Niggins was represented by Attorney-atLaw Patrice Henry while George and Clarkson were
represented by Attorney-atLaw Lloyd Mark Conway. Ramlogan had no lawyer. The lawyers asked the Magistrate to consider offering bail in a reasonable amount and the Prosecution did not object. Henry reported that the four accused had been held in custody since Saturday. The lawyer (Henry) said that the Prosecution had no evidence against his client. Bail was granted and the Prosecution was ordered to investigate why the four men had been detained beyond the allowed 72 hours period. The case is set to be called again on November 28 for statements.
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What the people say about…
The Attorney General’s alleged threat against KNews Kaieteur News took to the streets of Georgetown yesterday, mainly in the vicinity of the Stabroek Market, to note the concerns of citizens on the major issues identified in the profanity-laced 19-minute recording of a conversation between Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall and Kaieteur News reporter, Leonard Gildarie. Most persons seemed terrified at the mere thought of speaking on the matter and declined, almost immediately, to
give comment for fear of being violently attacked or victimized. One man even asked, “I look stupid to you…If Nandlall get vex with Kaieteur News because y’all talking too much, why you want me to talk? You want dem come and shoot me up too? Who gon mine me family, you?…Nah nah nah, me nah gon comment, I want live to a ripe old age. Another said, “No, No, No. I ain’t gon talk on this matter. I does wuk here every living day. If I talk and me picture
go in the paper, dem would come right here and shoot me up. Me ain’t talking, me go dead if I talk.” Nonetheless, there were some who even with acknowledgement that they can be victimized, said that they cannot simply stand idly by and allow the Government and its high-ranking servants to get away with “any and everything.” Some proclaimed that they have no fear whatsoever and want to be heard. See below what those people had to say.
RUDOLPH YEARWOOD, COBBLER My problem with Nandlall is that he is a man that I really have no respect for and I don’t have respect for his office for a number of reasons. He is always in the spotlight when it comes to certain matters; to me he is like the government cover-up man. Everything they do, he is the one that comes out and talks what he wants, and doesn’t care about what people have to say, but we are not stupid people. I think that he needs to be dealt with for his actions. Because of his actions, there should be some consequences. For example; there was a girl that stole money from the courts. She was charged and she is paying the price. She is a civil servant like Nandlall and she is facing the consequences and the same must go for Nandlall. FRANK YORRICK, COBBLER I think that it’s a downright disgrace to have the Attorney General, who is supposed to be giving the President legal advice, to be acting like this. If I made comments like Nandlall did about the girl and Kaieteur News, what you think they would have done with me? I would be gone. And so should Nandlall. How could we trust this man to give the President advice now? What kind of man is this? He should step down. It’s about time Nandlall pick up he wreath and go in he tomb.
JAMES JONES, SELF-EMPLOYED No Attorney General is supposed to be involved in those things. But don’t worry; pressure on the Government will get him out. Don’t worry with no support from President Donald Ramotar. Nandlall cannot represent this country at no international forum. Not since he carrying on in that ridiculous manner; cussing up and going on. People will not listen to him. No way would people respect him. The Government will have to take him out, just like how they took out Ronald Gajraj and send him to India. That is what they will do; they will find a place for him in India.
SHELLY GOODMAN, VENDOR Comments: The reason they want Kaieteur News out is because the people getting to know too much. I believe he should resign. If he don’t that would be a real shame.
ROY THOMAS, SELF-EMPLOYED This recording is a disgrace to Guyana. How could the country’s Minister of Legal Affairs be involved in this? How could he threaten the newspaper for doing the right thing…for speaking out? That is not right. The newspaper has to do its job. It has to do the right thing. People depend on Kaieteur News to know what’s really happening. For me, if I want to know what the government is doing I read Chronicle, but to know what they hiding, I will read Kaieteur News. The conversation about how he want this girl from Kaieteur News for his uncle and the terrible language he used is just bad, man. This is our Attorney General? In any democratic society he would be out. He shouldn’t be here and I hope the people in the nation come out in their numbers and protest, because he has to go, Nandlall has to go. You can’t have two standards in Guyana where the ordinary man must pay the price and then those at the top are protected and don’t face any penalty. Nandlall is the worst Attorney General in the history of Guyana.
TERRENCE DEAN, VENDOR Comments: Is nuff, nuff things wrong with this government, and I just want to say that what Nandlall did was wrong. He needs to resign.
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GDF ushers in 49th anniversary with church service The Guyana Defence Force commenced the celebration of its 49th Anniversary with its traditional Thanksgiving Church Service, which was held at the Auditorium, at Base Camp Ayanganna, yesterday morning. Arch Deacon, the Venerable Randolph Reynolds of St Sidwell’s Anglican Church officiated at the service, speaking to the issue of “Courage”. He highlighted the need for members of the GDF to remain mindful of the tradition of discipline which has been well established in the Force. This, he said, is the foundation for courage. “As you celebrate, seek to uphold the discipline that is enshrined in the understanding of soldiering. You need to understand the high standard that is demanded of you,” he said. “If you are not courageous to stand up for what is right, you are failing your uniform. Your role is pertinent to building our nation. You must be the defenders of right everywhere and the encouragers of peace everywhere,” he added. In his congratulatory message to the gathering of Force members and special invitees, Chief of Staff Brigadier Mark Phillips said that the Force must continue
The packed auditorium
to function to earn the respect of the citizens of Guyana, notwithstanding what is happening around us. “We must lead in the defence and security sector. We must contribute to the development of Guyana, collaborate on diplomatic initiatives, since diplomacy remains our first line of defence, and we must commit ourselves to safeguarding democracy in Guyana,” he said. Brigadier Phillips further emphasised that members of the Force must uphold and live its values and standards. “Our performance, our professionalism, and compliance with our Standing
Operating Procedures will enhance our Service,” he stressed. The Chief of Staff indicated that there will be improvements in operational readiness, health services and facilities, soldiers’ well-being, welfare and quality of life issues, on all bases and locations. In addition, he noted that special attention will be placed on the training and professional development o f a l l r a n k s , i n c l u ding civilians. He also revealed that for the 50th Anniversary, there will be a renewed focus on the empowerment of female soldiers and civilians.
Toshaos “dissatisfied” with overall results of National Conference By Nicholas Peters Following the end of the National Toshaos’ Conference, several Amerindian leaders have voiced their dissatisfaction with Natural Resources and the Environment Minister, Robert Persaud. Their disappointment arises from what they claim were the Minister ’s inadequate responses to concerns raised by the Toshaos on the handling of ancestral lands. The conference was held last Wednesday and concluded Saturday at the Guyana International Conference Centre. It was chaired by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs Nigel Dharamlall and Yvonne Pearson, advisor to the Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai. In speaking to this publication about the fourday symposium, a number of Toshaos related that they were dissatisfied with the overall results. They claimed that they were prevented from raising many of their pertinent questions after
various ministerial presentations. Question concerning land titles and mineral mining, in particular, they say, were restricted from being asked. An executive member of the National Toshaos’ Council (NTC), Clyde Henry, explained that many Amerindian villages around Guyana are being pressured into accepting mining operations from outside mining companies. According to Henry, these operations “violate ancestral lands” and are in direct contravention of the 2006 Amerindian Act. “When village members would request an extension of our traditional lands, we would find out that they already come with concessions that violate our claim,” said Henry. “For those who are successful (in obtaining land) it causes problems, because the land would now have two owners: the village and the miners.” In trying to resolve any conflict spurred on by these concessions, many of the Toshaos said that the Ministry would be of little help. Henry related that he raised the issue with the
Natural Resources Minister who responded that it was out of his powers. The Minister said that miners have bypassed the Ministry and have taken to the courts to resolve the issue. The NTC executive said that Minister Persaud was referring to last year’s the Isseneru court ruling, which upheld miners’ rights to continue operations in Isseneru titled lands. Other Toshaos confirmed to this newspaper that their efforts to resolve conflicts in land titles and mining were met with similar responses from the Natural Resources Ministry. In the case of Lita John, the Toshao of Jawalla Village, she explained an incident whereby a mining entity had began operations at midyear, without consulting the village council. In investigating the matter, John discovered that the company did have permission to start operations in the area. According to her, the company received permission from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). This (Continued on page 26)
Brigadier Mark Phillips receives a congratulatory handshake from Brazilian Defence, Naval and Army Attaché Colonel Ronaldo Pacheco after the church service.
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Wednesday November 05, 2014
Walter Rodney COI …
Former journalist says Rodney posed a threat to PNC and PPP A former journalist attached to the Guyana Chronicle, Ras Leon Saul, told the Commission of Inquiry into the death of Dr Walter Rodney yesterday that Dr Rodney’s growing influence on the people posed a threat to both the People’s National Congress (PNC) Government as well as their opponent, the People’ s Progressive Party (PPP). Dr. Rodney, a scholar, social activist and founder of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) was killed in an explosion on June 13, 1980. Following his death, there was speculation that Dr. Rodney’s assassination was set up by the then President Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham However, while giving his evidence yesterday, Ras Leon Saul said that as a journalist working for the state-owned newspaper, there was a perspective in the newsroom that Dr. Rodney posed a threat to the government as well the PPP, the main opposition party at the time. Although there was widespread objection by the State towards the work of the activist, the witness said that as journalists, he and his colleagues were allowed to analyse and observe that there were elements in the PPP that would not like Dr. Rodney’s ascension. Ras Saul told the commission that he was given the opportunity to observe the work of Dr Rodney from afar; he followed his writing, read his books, listened to him speak and although he never met him, Dr. Rodney inspired him to become a Rastafarian. As such, the former reporter described Burnham and Rodney as “two sides of the same coin.” He said that in many ways Dr. Rodney and President Burnham had similar ideals and personalities; “they were both black intellectuals, with an African consciousness, both claimed to be working in the interest of the Guyanese people”. “Rodney was like a young
Ras Leon Saul testifying at the Rodney COI Burnham,” Ras Saul told the commission as he described both men as extremists. He noted that this trait may have been the cause of the conflict between the two leaders. “There might have been too much ego at play,” he added. Ras Saul said that Dr Rodney had started to make the masses conscious, but his work quickly moved beyond that to seeking power and there was a point when it became abusive. Dr. Rodney had drawn similarities between the late Guyanese leader and King Kong. “This meant that he was ugly big bad and destructive,” the witness explained. Under cross examination by the Lead Attorney Glenn Hanoman, Ras Saul told the commission that a lot of Rastafarians were also marginalised during that era since it was widely believed that they had affiliation with the Working People’s Alliance (WPA). He said that many of his brothers lost their lives, “locks” and endured other
forms of discrimination since it was believed that they had associations with Dr Rodney’s Party. He claimed that although there was deep conflict between the WPA and the State, Dr Rodney’s death came as a surprise to many people, including himself. The witness said that as smart an individual as Dr Rodney was, he could not have known that he was being set-up. The witness said that in his opinion, President Burnham was an influential leader and had supporters who were willing, loyal and zealous enough to protect his interest. He explained that such supporters would have harmed anyone trying to undermine the Burnham regime without any word from the president himself. However under examination by Attorney–at– Law Christopher Ram, the witness admitted that only the State had the type of the resources to cause Dr. Rodney to meet his demise the way he did as well as resources to protect his killer.
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Nandlall threat against K/News…
Police to send file to DPP today Amidst criticisms that it is adopting a biased approach, a senior official of the Guyana Police Force has assured that investigations into Attorney General Anil Nandlall’s disclosure of plans to attack the Kaieteur News will be completed today. Kaieteur News was reliably informed that a report on the matter will be sent to
the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice no later than today. It would mean that investigators have secured a statement from the Attorney General himself. “In order for a file to be completed, all parties’ statements have to be obtained,” the senior police official told Kaieteur News.
The Attorney General in a recorded conversation with Senior Kaieteur News Reporter Leonard Gildarie, hinted at a plot to attack the Kaieteur News in retaliation to the newspaper’s exposure of corrupt activities by persons close to the ruling administration. The newspaper’s Publisher Glenn Lall had
Toshaos “dissatisfied” with overall... (From page 25) was done despite them knowing that the lands in question fall within the property of Jawalla Village. After bringing the matter to the attention of both GGMC and the Natural Resources Ministry, John said that she did not get a resolution to her village’s problem. Instead, “Minister Persaud responded that he cannot do anything with the matter.” Since then, the Jawalla Village has engaged with the mining company to cease further operation. The company has halted operations, but John is certain they will return to village lands, as they have in
the past. To Godfrey Wilson, Toshao of Kwebana Village, this, with many other cases, shows a clear preference for miners who are prone to abuse titled land without consultation of indigenous communities. “There is a weakness in the Amerindian Act,” said Wilson, “we were told that this was the best Amerindian Act in the region, but how is that true when people are allowed to violate our rights.” Meanwhile, of notable absence at the conference were representatives from the Opposition and the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA).
It was related that many of the problems which were highlighted at the symposium were blamed on the Opposition and APA’s actions at blocking progress. The NTC members said that this was seen as unfair. When asked why the parties were not in attendance, the chairperson to the conference, Dharamlall expressed that invitations were sent out but they did not receive a response. In speaking with officials from the main opposition bloc, A Partnership for National Unity, Kaieteur News was made to understand they received no invitations from the organizers of the conference.
lodged a complaint with the police, providing them with a copy of the recorded conversation. In the conversation with the Kaieteur News senior reporter, Nandlall told Gildarie that Kaieteur News had become a very “dangerous place” and that he should leave to avoid being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Initially the police appeared to have been stalling the investigations into the matter and this approach was criticized by certain sections of society, which accused them of abandoning all pretence of impartiality and neutrality. In fact the police had signaled that they may institute charges against the Reporter. In defence of their actions, the force announced that the delay in their investigations was due to the need for clarification of certain sections of the statements provided by the Reporter. But according to a top level official of the force, the police should have acted with more urgency in the initial stages of the investigations to dispel any thought of bias.
It is not clear when the police approached the Attorney General with the allegations made against him by the Kaieteur News nor is it clear when he provided them with his statement. “Investigators should have approached him (AG) immediately after they received the complaint, just as how they would have approached anybody else if such allegations were made against them,” the high ranking officer stated. He referred to the recent police investigations into an alleged plot to execute a senior MARAD official. In that case the police received a report from a man who alleged that he was contacted by another party to execute the official. Investigators wasted no time in arresting the other party, despite not carrying out a full investigation. “In the Kaieteur News case, the police were provided with a tape recording of the conversation between the AG and the reporter in which he made certain statements that should have been investigated with some
urgency,” the high ranking police official stated. Instead the police intimidated the senior reporter during a visit to his home. The Reporter said that ranks turned up at his home and invited him to the police station. Immediately, he questioned whether he was under arrest, only to be told that he was not. He said that he informed them that if he was not under arrest then he would complete some business at hand before venturing to the police station. Gildarie said that the ranks insisted that he accompany them to the police station. He said that he asked about the consequences should he refuse and was told that the police would then be prepared to “take it to the next level.” They drove in his car to the Brickdam Police Station and at that stage he was considered under arrest. At the police station, and in the absence of his lawyer, Gildarie declined to answer any question. The police acquiesced. His Attorney duly arrived and a new appointment has been rescheduled.
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FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call: 225-9032, 647-2943 1 Model M Bush Truck with Winch & dump, 1 Honda ATV 4-wheel bike used only for prospecting, 250 hours, excellent condition. Contact: 672-4536 DELL/HP Computer complete with LCD’s - $59,000, laptops from $55,000, Blackberrys $15,000 @ FutureTech – Tel: 231-2206 Dry cow mould available only at: The #1 Plant Shot, 70 Sheriff Street – Call: 2278094 D6R Caterpillar Bulldozer, D8K Caterpillar Bulldozer, Price to go – Call: 611-4775 Foreign use Yamaha Outboard, engines, various sizes and parts, 3 cylinder, Perkins engine – Call: 6580337 Sheep for sale in a large quantity – Tel:695-6139, 6391572 2 compressors, fruit dying machine, electrical stove with grill, water dispenser machine, Price negotiableContact: 231-5171, 619-7134 One Grocery Stall at Stabroek Market- Tel:6791151, 225-7794 One double stall with overhead storage in Stabroek Market – Call: 6197925 (can be inspected) One 6 Head Weinig Moulder, complete with additional blocks, ready to work – Tel: 668-8912 1 Ridged Generator 3600 Watt - $190,000, 1 Maytag washer & dryer - $110,000 each, 1 Kenmore microwave - $18,000 – Tel:692-7377, or 672-7194 “Wealth & Riches belongs to the righteous” Get your copy from Smile Gas Station; Austin’s Book Store – Call: 229-6104 VIDEO GAME PACKAGE – PS3 OR X-BOX360 WITH 2 CONTROLLERS, 4 GAMES & NEW 21" RCA TV ONLY - $90,000-CALL MAX: 609-8132; 672-8569 House for sale and removal – Call: 628-9500, 625-1974, 225-1886 British Guiana Stamps for sale- Call:681-3685
Kaieteur News
FOR SALE 7 weeks old German shepherd pups- Contact: 685-7027 Games for PS2, PS3, XBOX360, WII, consoles also available - Call: 672-2566, 265-3232 4 Blocks in Mahdia, no reasonable offer refused – Call:227-5500, 694-8150, 6234045 Two super scoop bass box with two R.C.F P300 18 inch speakers – Tel: 623-9679 Pit bull puppies for sale: 6715851, 233-0194
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 GT TOOL RENTALS: COMPACTOR; CHIPPING HAMMER RANSOM & FLOOR SANDER, (SALE) AND MORE, SAWS & DRILLS -$10,000 - CALL: 675-0767, 667-2535 Business place for rent 3000 SQ FT W.C.D – Call: 6901740 Land for rent @ Covent Garden on Lot 1 Public Road E.B.D – Size 40X100 – Contact: 645-1976, 613-8966 Lawyer offices at Lot 220 South Road- Contact: 2271042 Rooms & Apartment in Eccles- Call:225-3234 One two bedroom house for rent at Mon Repos, E.C.D – Call: 220-7937, 625-5257.
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.–CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call Sabita: 225-6496, 662-6045 Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves. Contact Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206 Repairs, sales & spares air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool, call :225-9032, 647-2943 Hibiscus Jewellery & Pawn Shop, 15-16 American Street, Best price offer, open from 9:00-4:00 – Tel: 225-7252 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer Call Omar: 2310655, 683-8734 For professional and affordable landscaping services, grassing, leveling, perorated & drainage, system, supply of earth- Call: 626-1044, 656-1326 Repairs to refrigerators gas stoves washing machine, A/ C units – Call Lindon: 6411086, 694-2202, 227-8907 Now Open – Diamond Auto Spa “where everything sparkles” – 186 Durban & Smyth first three cars wash daily free. Promotion ends November 10th. H&R Construction and Consultancy Services: Specialized in general construction & electrical installation – Call: 661-8802 Specialized repair to washing machines, refrigerator, dryer, stoves, AC units, Hot water pressure pumps, ovens, deep fryer –Call: 661-7977 Parts Motorworks – Tel: 6947949. Repairs: seadoo, jetski, jetboard, inboard/outboard engines, generators, pressure washer, ATV etc.
Three bedrooms house to rent in Diamond Housing Scheme, E.B.D – Call: 6679499 Diamond 9th & 10th Street, new 1 bedroom flat, closet, utility room, hot & cold pump, AC, Parking, from $50,000 – Contact: 612-9061, 673-7589 Sawmill at Linden to rent with Woodmizer Mill, reasonable land space and licensed – Contact: 648-5022
VEHICLE FOR SALE
SALON
WANTED
First Class Auto: In stock Premio, Spacio, 212, Sienta, Rush, Fielder, Bluebird- Tel: 609-8188/ 602-6307 Unregistered Premio fully loaded - $2.3M negotiable Owner Leaving CountryCall: 226-5473, 226-2623 Pitbull Bus ($3.1M) unregistered, Noah, Regius ($2M) unregistered - Call: 603-9700 1- 2001 new model 212 stick shift - $2M, 1 -2000 year model Tacoma with 3RZ engine- $2.1M – Call: 6165974, 618-8703 One Lorry and Hilux SurfContact: 621-4740 AT192, 212, Allison, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154 Mercedes Benz CLK200 Kompressor, mint condition, serious enquiries – Call: 6235492 One pit bull 19 Seater BNN, Excellent Condition- Call: 6520709, 276-0556
Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad Call: 647-1773/6605257
Sawmill workers and wood mizer LT 40 operator – Call: 653-9752, 688-6579 One Secretary; One cashier. Pay $20,000 -$25,000 per week respectively Call: 610-9493 Female worker needed, 3 CXC subject or sound secondary school education- Call: 612-1607 Experienced taxi driver & dispatcher @ Princess Hotel – Tel: 616-5419 Experienced Diesel Mechanic to work in Georgetown, apply in person. Call: 218-5105 One day security and one night security guard, between ages 35-55yrs, preferably from Georgetown – Call: 623-3231 or 225-3198 One live in Domestic, must know to cook – Age3545yrs, Salary: $60,000Call:664-5199, 688-5409 One domestic (Female)Must be able to Wash, Press& Clean. Call: 600-2745
EDUCATIONAL CXC Classes for adults/ students, repeater, Grade 6, slow learners in Mathematics, All Science & Business Subjects – Call: 231-5678, 6905008 Diploma in Computers, 9 Courses - $30,000, free job training @ Micrographics Technology, Vreed- EnHoop, Tel:264-3057 (November Promotion)
VEHICLE FOR SALE One Nissan Pickup – GG Series and one Mini Bus – JJ Series, in excellent road worthy condition- Call:2335108, 233-5023 2010 F150, in excellent condition - $7M –Call: 6639251 15 Ton dump Truck very good working condition, price very attractive – Call: 681-5988, 675-5448 1 Spacio, 7-seats, Excellent condition, 4 years, Price Negotiable. Tele: 624-5018; 227-3749 Unregistered Premio with Rims - $2.250 – Call: 657-1796
1- Mercedes Benz, good condition 230E, no reasonable offer refused- Call: 683-4803, 225-9871 1- Volks Wagon Van, ideal for cargo – Call: 683-4803, 2259871 1-Mitsubishi RVR- Call: 2259871, 683-4803 Titan 4X4, fully loaded, GMM Series- Call: 227-5500, 6234045, 694-8150
1 NZE Corolla: AC, CD, PPP Series, never worked hire, excellent condition -$1.450M Neg. Call: 619-1047
RI Yamaha - Candy Red, no reasonable offer refused – Call: 623-4045, 227-5500, 6948150
1 – 2storey wooden & Concrete house with 5 bedrooms upper flat & lower flat 4 apartments located@ Shell Road, kitty - $30M – Tel:642-7898
1999 Toyota Tacoma (black) excellent condition, auto extended cab, fully loaded – Call: 610-5370 Leyland 85DAF Dump Truck, double axle aluminum tray, GKK series, excellent condition – Call: 699-6672, 258-0079 – serious enquiries only Mitsubishi Canter 2 Ton, 4D 32 Engine GGG Series, good working condition – Call: 6692290 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154
2 & 3 Bedroom apartment at Mon Repos E.C.D for rent, price $55,000 –Contact: 6605233 & 692-9295
Wednesday November 05, 2014
F250- 424 Double exhaust matte black, big road tyres, GRR Series – Call: 227-5500, 623-4045 Nissan Wing Road, PSS Series, price - $1.5M negotiable – Excellent Condition – Call: 698-5949 Toyota Premio- $2.3M, New model Spacio - $2.150M, never registered. Call: 6172891 Toyota Prado, Price$5.5M Neg. Call:643-2403
PROPERTY FOR SALE
One 3 storey business property @ Middle St. Georgetown, opposite GPHC- Contact: 619-7134, 225-6481 2 Business properties on Whim Public Road, ideal for business- Contact: 619-7134
Gold Investor, Gold Claim on Rental, giving out position to work stone & free goldCall:679-0030, 678-8748, 6224415 Live in domestic, must know to cook Indian dishes between ages 30-45yrs, salary $60,000 monthly, boarding & lodging free. Call: 610-5043 Live in waitress, must have secondary education – between ages 18-25 yrs, Salary Starts @ $50,000 monthly, boarding & lodging free. Call: 610-5043 We buy & Sell Land in Parfaite Harmonie, providence, Herstelling & Eccles- Call Anita: 677-7095 1 Cleaner to work in snackette & bar, must know to cook, age 20-35yrs – Tel: 647-7432, 223-5798
Two storey business building at the corner of Ketley and house Street Charlestown- Call:623-9679 Looking to buy a property? Then give us the responsibility to do so. Ron’s Real Estate: 677-7095 FOR SALE/FOR RENT Located @ Lot 5 Block ‘K’ Walkers’s Delight W.C.D - 4 bedrooms all self contain. Price $25M/ per month $100,000 Tel: 674-4929/ 6620187 ACCOMODATION Harmony Inn: Furnished apartments in Georgetown and Parfaite Harmonie W.B.D, Your Luxury Hide Away…. Call: 668-0306, 2181400, 694-7817
LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj Building- Tel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 615-0964; 689-5997
MASSAGE American Style massage services- Call: 678-7499 (Continued page 29)
Wednesday November 05, 2014
Kaieteur News
Page 29
Country’s new destination brand unveiled at World Travel Market (From page 28)
A view of Guyana’s booth at WTM in London. Guyana, South America Undiscovered, the country’s new destination brand, was unveiled at the World Travel Market (WTM), in London during a cocktail reception in the Guyana booth, Monday afternoon. The WTM is being held from November 3 to 6, 2014. According to the Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh, the first day was a tremendous success; Mr. Haralsingh is heading the delegation to WTM which also includes Ms. Sanchia Persaud, Senior Tourism Development Officer and Ms. Tosheika Logan, Research and Planning Analyst. “Day one was an excellent day for Guyana. Everyone likes the brand and logo, the launch was a tremendous success if you take into account the massive reach that this event has,” he said. While there, the team will attend key meetings with several tour operators, travel agents, media and
publications. As to the benefits of Guyana’s continued participation in the event, the GTA Director explained, “WTM is the perfect opportunity for us to continue our outreach to international tourists, not only will we reach the UK market but also buyers from countries all over the world.” Guyana is also being represented by Wilderness Explorers, Rupununi Trails and Iwokrama at WTM, which is one of the leading travel and trade shows attracting influential figures in and around the travel industry who offer the latest insights, trends and invaluable knowledge to all who visit. Guyana’s booth will host a number of events and meetings including the launching of the “Guyana South America Undiscovered” destination brand, hosting of ATLAS travel group and launching of the ‘Explore Guyana’ Magazine 2015. The GTA recognises this
trade show as a very important aspect of its marketing strategy and has continued to attend over the last 13 years. This has resulted in placing Guyana’s tourism product on the world map in the eyes of consumers and International Travel Operators. REPOSITIONINGAND REBRANDING The main purpose of the destination’s rebranding and the accompanying marketing strategy is to help Guyana meet its aspiration of becoming a leading sustainable tourism destination in the Region. The Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Irfaan Ali has noted that Guyana offers the opportunity to travel to an ‘off the beaten path’, conservation-minded destination, to see exceptional nature, experience wildlife and birds in a remote and pristine environment with thriving indigenous and multi-ethnic communities. “It offers visitors many benefits: exploring an English
speaking South American destination; discovering our natural attractions travelling by land, river and air across a never ending stretch of rainforest to see birds, wildlife and giant species; interacting with Amerindian people and enjoying multi-ethnic festivals, music and cuisine; learning about the country’s rich heritage. It is an opportunity to experience vast virgin rainforest, rolling savannahs, mighty rivers and the lively Caribbean coast, all in one trip,” he revealed. The brand essence and personality is expressed through a new logo and tagline, which was developed after extensive consultation with tourism stakeholders, operators and businesses and which will be used in all promotional and marketing material, both locally and internationally. Minister Ali continued, “The opportunity to confirm Guyana’s commitment to the development of tourism in Guyana must be fully exploited.” (GTA)
LAND FOR SALE 15 Acres transported land bearing fruit trees @ West Bank of Demerara River, newt to Kamuni Creek- Call: 222-4708 Blankenburg @ The Back Of Gas Station (3) Lots @ 75' X 76' Each. $20M for all 3 Lots. (1) Lot for $10m - Contact 650-0402 Prime Land @ Corriverton, 1.3 Acres, roadside land suitable for gas station/hotel/ shopping mall, etc- Call: 626-6245 Parika (Butcher Shop Street) – One (1) Lot 38' X 150' $ 7m - Contact 650-0402 - for serious inquiries Diamond/Grove, New Scheme, land with foundation & post, corner lot, $7M (neg) - Call: 603-9700 ECCLES: Build your own home in a modernize gated community, lot size 60X100 - $7.5M – Call: 227-2913, Cell: 689-3033 ECCLES: Commercial Lots - $14M – Call: 227-2913, Cell:689-3033 One land Located at Cornelia Ida W.C.D, Phone, water & light – Contact: 652-0709; 276-0556 Herstelling (110ftX57ft) $4.5M, Providence (110ftX57ft) - $4.5M, Parfaite Harmonie (100ftX50ft) $2.2M, Parfaite Harmonie$1.3M & $1.4M – Call: 6757292
Guyana loses two more centenarians While Guyana’s life expectancy age has in recent years remained constant, somewhere between 60 and 70, there have been a few who have been easily surpassing this mark. Among them has been Ersula Victoria Forbes who was on several occasions noticeably featured in the media having attained the elite status of centenarian. She entered the world on April 24, 1911, and peacefully departed on Monday (November 3, 2014). Forbes, had several months earlier celebrated her 103rd birthday. She was fondly referred to as Mother Forbes in the Den Amstel, West Coast Demerara, village in which she resided until her demise and was regarded as the oldest
DEAD: Ersula Victoria Forbes member of the Ebenezer Congregational Church of Den Amstel. During an interview with
this publication in 2012 Mother Forbes was able to interact well with a reporter even sharing the names of her children and grandchildren. She was also able to recall the names of people she walked the street with more than 70 years ago and was very up to date then with everyday happenings. “My memory is very good …I remember everything, plus I’m a great cook, but my children don’t allow me in the kitchen. They tell me that I cooked enough and I should rest, now,” said vocal Mother Forbes whose hearing was aided by a device. Her demise has left a void in the community of Den Amstel that will forever be missed. She is survived by her
DEAD: Agnes McLean only son Eldon Forbes and her foster daughter Jocelyn Adams, grandchildren, great grands, great, great grands,
other relatives and many friends. According to relatives a service to celebrate Mother Forbes life will be held on a date to be announced later. Guyana also recently lost another centenarian in the person of Mrs Agnes McLean. Had she survived Mrs McLean would have also attained the age of 103 today. She was born on November 5, 1911. Mrs McLean, many years ago, served as a midwife at the Georgetown Hospital and later became a District Health Visitor. She was mother of Normal Mc Lean, known for his distinction in the uniformed services (Police, National Service, and Guyana Defence Force) and Gloria McGregor.
VACANCY Vacancy for Plant Shop, Must be physically fit, pleasant, age18-30yrs – Call: 646-2108 Experienced cashiers, sales girls and porter, apply with written application & passport size picture to Survival, 173 Sheriff StreetContact: 227-5286-9 Work from home; earn $5,000- $20,000 dailyContact: 233-6517, 622-1957, www.jobfairworldwide.com Waitress to work at hotel/ bar in Essequibo CoastContact: 226-9768 Bartenders to work at hotel/ bar in Essequibo Coastcontact: 226-9768 Cashiers @ Shell Service Station Providence EBD. Must be able to work shift (5am-3pm & 3pm-12pm) – Tel: 265-7305 International Cruiseline Purser officer, waitresses, waiters, cooks, receptionist, storekeeper, cleaners, electrician, carpenter, plumber, musicians etc – Tel: 231-6296, 650-9880 Tractor operator, to work and live in Mahaicony River, must know about rice- Call: 6446905, 225-6571 Experienced hair dresser with client and nails technician and barber (male) @ Diamond Housing Scheme – Call: 695-2268, 216-1350 Hire car drivers & contact cars from E.C.D- Call: 2201000 One Shop Attendant - Call: 625-5322
CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTAL CALL: 225-7126/ 2263693 DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM/ WWW.DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE AUTO RENTAL: CARS & SUV FOR RENTAL-$4,000&UPPERDAYCALL: 643-5122, 219-3900, EMAIL: PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM Aidan’s Car & Pickup rental, cheap rate, low security – Tel:698-7807/ 690-6494 Wings Car Rental- Call:6906494/ BBM pin: 24E17558
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday November 05, 2014
Guyana becoming more recognised for its exportoriented, agro-processing industries - Agri Minister While agricultural produce of a high quality will go a far way in reinstating Guyana with the coveted title as the “Caribbean’s bread basket”, the development of infrastructure is equally important as it will ensure that the country surmounts the challenges of non-tariff barriers that prevent it from competitively penetrating the export market. Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy said that it is precisely for this reason that the Government invested in the state-of-the-art laboratories at Mon Repos; essentially taking agriculture to another level. A few months ago three multi-million dollar laboratories were commissioned: the Veterinary Services Lab, and the Biological Control and Tissue Culture Labs. “We have to make sure that we are able to test for pesticides and other chemical residues; we have to able to show the nutritional content of our food… we spend $250M on importing food into the country. Can we eliminate
every cent of that? No, but we can reduce it by exporting some of what we grow,” the Minister said. Transforming agriculture from the level of subsistence livelihood to wealth generation is pegged as one of the major successes of the sector and in fact, of the country and while many challenges still exist, the evolution process that the sector has gone through thus far, has brought with it tremendous improvements for those involved in it. Minister Ramsammy said that, “you go into the agriculture communities people work hard, people do struggle but they are living better. It is the farmer ’s children who are now our doctors and lawyers and our accountants and our engineers and that is because we have transformed agriculture from one where farmers were only able to put food on the table to now where they are generating wealth.” Not only is Guyana now seen as an export oriented industry outside of sugar, but it agro-processing industry
The PPP has disgraced... From page 9 Then a journalist was advised that he should get out of the Kaieteur News because it was a dangerous place for him to be in. The PPP has outdone the worst excesses of the PNC and yet it has the temerity to speak about its record of press freedom. Behind this sustained conspiracy against the Kaieteur News are individuals from both inside and outside of the government. There is a clique that is behind these attacks on this newspaper. The PPP has disgraced itself by allowing this clique to run roughshod over the media. But this disgrace is nothing compared to the one that the PPP has now attained by endorsing the actions of this clique against an independent media house.
has developed and increased by 1000 percent; both in terms of packaging as well as the quantity and quality of local products in supermarket shelves across the country. The Agriculture Minister spoke of the overwhelming demands of virgin coconut oil and coconut water and Guyana is looking at making these investments with the support of large conglomerates such as Banks DIH and Sterling Products Limited. However, for this to really take off, the coconut industry has to be fully resuscitated. The present level of cultivation of about 25,000 acres has to be increased and varieties have to be improved. Minister Ramsammy explained that most of the coconut trees are 40-50 years old and as such, the industry have to be reinvigorated by planting new ones. “Thankfully there are many local investors who are looking to double the cultivation… by 2020 Guyana will have a packing industry for coconut that is of international quality,” he said. What is now required is the financial investments and technical capacity drive this industry. The Ministry’s Agriculture Strategy 20132020 provides a road map for the sector as a whole, on the way forward. It entails the F5 approach: food security; fiber and nutrition security; fuel (energy) security; fashion, cosmetics and medicine; and furniture, crafts and green commodities. “We know where we are going, and where we are going will change the aspiration and the potential of
Agriculture Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy inspecting local agro processed products. being the bread basket of the Caribbean into reality,” the Agriculture Minister said. Meanwhile, the Ministry is also working to modernise its legislation; ensuring that it remains relevant as the sector transforms. The Food Safety Bill, the Animal
Welfare Bill and regulations targeting the fishery sector are all slated for Parliament soon. As the issue of food security becomes more crucial for the region and the rest of the world, Guyana must position itself to capitalise on
the benefits of being not only food secure, but a net exporter of food, as well, and with local impetus in agriculture ever on the i n c r e a s e a n d this being backed by increasing modern infrastructure, Guyana has reasons to be optimistic.
Murder of elderly woman…
FOUR ACCUSED TO KNOW FATE TODAY The fate of the four men who are on trial for the murder of an elderly Canal Number Two, West Bank Demerara woman, will be determined today after Justice Navindra Singh sums up the evidence of the matter, which was presented before the court. The accused, all residents of Sea Dam Herstelling, East Bank Demerara, are on trial at the High Court before Justice Singh and a mixed twelvemember jury for the murder of 68-year-old Budhia also called ‘Ronui. They are being represented by Attorneys-atLaw Sonia Parag and Raymond Alli. Today, Justice Singh is expected to sum up the evidence against Nigel Sookram, Steve Sookdeo called ‘Coolie Boy’, Roy Anthony Sewnarine and Vishal Seecharan called “Markie,” who are accused of killing the elderly women at her home in Conservancy Dam at Canal Number Two, West Bank Demerara (WBD) during a robbery. The woman was at the time sharing the home with her daughter and thirteen year-old granddaughter, both of whom were assaulted and tortured in the process. In her opening address to
MURDERED: ‘Budhia’ the court, State Prosecutor Judith Gildharie-Mursalin disclosed that a post mortem examination which was later conducted on the body of the elderly woman, determined that she died of asphyxia due to manual strangulation. Yesterday, while leading their defence, all four men told the court that they were beaten by the police after they were arrested for the crime. The men claimed that they were arrested and taken to various police stations, where they were beaten, threatened and coerced into signing statements pertaining to the matter.
However, based on the evidence presented before the court, one of the accused (Sookdeo) had admitted to committing the crime in his caution statement. In the statement, Sookdeo detailed that he, “Nigel, Markie and Roy,” had planned and carried out the robbery which took place on October 20, 2008. Sookdeo had told police investigators that he and his colleagues had hired a car at Herstelling, East Bank Demerara and travelled to Canal Number Two, West Bank Demerara, where they broke into the house and “tied up the old lady” and other occupants of the one-flat building before robbing them of cash and jewellery. In addition, the victim’s daughter, Basmattie Rampersaud recalled the night of the incident. She told the court that thieves broke into her house and made off with more than a million dollars in cash and jewellery. She said that the bandits bound the occupants of the house, all females, including her elderly mother, using duct tape. The woman said that the perpetrators not only robbed and terrorised her elderly mother, but that she was killed in the process.
Wednesday November 05, 2014
Kaieteur News
Ukraine rebel leaders sworn in, Kiev says peace plan violated (Reuters) - Pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine staged swearing in ceremonies for their leaders on Tuesday after votes dismissed as a farce by Kiev, which says they violated terms of a peace plan to end a war that has killed more than 4,000 people. Warning of the threat of new offensive by Moscowbacked rebels, Ukraine’s leader said newly-formed army units would be sent to defend a string of eastern cities. NATO’s highest ranking officer, a U.S. general, said conditions were now in place to create a “frozen conflict”, a term the West uses to describe rebel regions carved out of other ex-Soviet states that Moscow protects with its troops. The inauguration ceremonies in east Ukraine took place even as tens of thousands of people marched in Moscow for “Unity Day”, a nationalist holiday celebrating a 17th century battle, revived under President Vladimir Putin to replace the Soviet-era celebration of the Bolshevik revolution. Ukraine featured heavily in speeches for the occasion. Most fighting has halted in the war in eastern Ukraine since September, when Kiev agreed to a truce after its forces were pushed back by what it and Western countries say was an incursion by armoured columns of Russian troops. But the frontline remains dangerous and tense, with both sides complaining of shooting nearly every day. Artillery from the direction of the wreckage of Donetsk’s international airport, still under government control, thudded during the rebel leader’s inauguration in the city. Moscow says the election of Alexander Zakharchenko and Igor Plotnitsky as leaders of the Donetsk and Luhansk “people’s republics”, which jointly call themselves “new Russia”, means that Kiev should now negotiate
Separatist leader Alexander Zakharchenko is sworn in as the head of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic with them directly. Kiev has always rejected this, describing the rebels as Russian-backed “terrorists” or “bandits”, with no legitimacy. The worry for the West is that Moscow, which has already annexed Ukraine’s Crimea peninsula, will now also exert control over eastern Ukraine’s industrial Donbass region in perpetuity, as it has done for two decades in parts of Moldova and Georgia that broke away when the Soviet Union collapsed. “I’m concerned that the conditions are there that could create … a frozen conflict,” said U.S. Air Force General Philip Breedlove, the highest-ranking NATO officer, said in Washington. Russia’s border with east Ukraine had softened to the point of becoming completely porous, while the line inside Ukraine between government and rebel territory had hardened, he said. President Petro Poroshenko met his security chiefs and told them he
remained committed to a peaceful solution to the conflict, even though he said a peace plan and truce agreed in Minsk in September had been violated by Russia and the rebels. Kiev says the Minsk agreements provided only for the election of local officials in the east under Ukrainian law, and not for separatist ballots to install leaders of breakaway entities who seek close association or even union with Russia. Kiev and the West also say Moscow is continuing to provide military support for the rebels. A foreign ministry spokesman said 100 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed since the ceasefire came into force. Kiev’s military spokesman said there had been more shooting incidents recently and NATO’s secretary-general, Jens Stoltenberg, said in Brussels that Russian troops were moving closer to the border with Ukraine while Russia continued to train the rebels.
Sierra Leone imprisons journalist under emergency Ebola measures FREETOWN (Reuters) Police in Sierra Leone have jailed a journalist in the c a p i t a l F r eetown under emergenc y measures introduced to help the West African country cope with the Ebola epidemic, a senior police source said on Tuesday. David Tam-Baryoh was sent to the Pademba Road prison on an executive order from the
p r e s i d e n t , a c c o r d i n g to Chief Superintendent Ibrahim Koroma. “The powers were derived from the Ebola emergency regulations the country is currently under,” Koroma said, without detailing the charges against the journalist or specifying the length of his detention. The arrest may be linked to comments made by Tam-
Baryoh on his popular radio program MONOLGUE in which he appeared to challenge arrests made last week in the Kono district after Ebola-linked riots. The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists condemned the arrest. The country is one of the worst affected by the largest outbreak on record, with more than 1,500 victims.
Page 31
Independence boycott by Antigua opposition described as “an act of treason” ST JOHN’S, Antigua CMC – Prime Minister Gaston Browne has described as “an act of treason” the decision by opposition legislators to boycott of the independence ceremonial parade here on Monday. Antigua and Barbuda normally observers the anniversary of its independence from Britain on November 1, but the occasion this year fell on the weekend. Opposition Leader Baldwin Spencer and key members of his United Progressive Party (UPP) did not attend Monday’s ceremonial parade and awards ceremony where former prime minister Lester Bird was knighted and named a national hero – the highest honour the country can bestow. Efforts by the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) to obtain a comment from Spencer and UPP chairman Harold Lovell, were unsuccessful. Prime Minister Gaston Browne chastised Spencer for the no-show, adding that there is no other celebration more important than independence. “To boycott our independence celebrations is
Gaston Browne to disrespect the 400 years of toil, the 400 years of sacrifices that were made by our forefathers to ensure that Antigua & Barbuda ends up as a sovereign nation. It is just to abandon, to disrespect that contribution, that commitment of our forbearers,” Browne said. “I’ll go as far as saying that I think it’s really an act of treason against the commitment of our forbearers and it’s very unfortunate that the leader of the opposition and his followers that they do not understand that our independence transcends partisan, political
differences,” he added. Browne recalled that he once faced disciplinary action from the Antigua and Barbuda Labour party – the party he now leads – after he defied a call to boycott independence celebrations when the ABLP was in opposition. “I did not adhere to that call to the extent that there was even a petition to have me expelled from the party but that is how strongly I felt about independence and the fact that we need to embrace it. It is in essence a symbol of the unity of our nation and ought to be respected of all costs. “I don’t condone any act of sabotage, boycott or disrespect in so far as our independence is concerned and I think it’s yet a monumental error that was made by the leader of the opposition and it begs the question of his level of maturity. “With this type of narrow thinking, this type of narrow outlook it was a fundamental error in the part of the leader opposition and I’m quite sure he’ll regret what he did today,” Browne told CMC.
Venezuela to hike minimum wage 15 percent amid high inflation CARACAS (Reuters) Ve n e z u e l a n P r e s i d e n t Nicolas Maduro announced on Monday a 15 percent increase in the minimum wage starting in December to protect workers from inflation of more than 60 percent. Maduro blames soaring consumer prices on an “economic war” launched by foes of his socialist government, frequently accusing business executives of pricegouging, hoarding and speculating. Critics, though, say Ve n e z u e l a ’s endemic inflation problem is evidence of the failure of 15 years of socialist economics under Maduro and his late predecessor Hugo Chavez. “I have decided to accept this proposal, from the workers, to decree a 15 percent rise in the minimum salary from Dec. 1,” Maduro said during a televised event with workers. Maduro said the cumulative raise for 2014 following a 30 percent hike in May and 10 percent in
January would compensate for inflation caused by the “criminal” campaign against him. The wage hike planned for December would put Venezuela’s minimum salary at 4,889 bolivars. That is equivalent to $776 (485.97 pounds) at the lowest official currency rate of 6.3 bolivars to the dollar, but just $49 at a black market rate quoted on illegal web sites.
In the last data available, Venezuela’s annualised inflation rate reached 63.4 percent in August, with consumer prices rising by 3.9 percent that month, according to the Central Bank. Oil-dependent Vene z u e l a ’s inflation malaise is a decades-old problem, also surpassing 60 percent in the 1990s before Chavez, according to IMF data.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday November 05, 2014
Wednesday November 05, 2014
Kaieteur News
Tendulkar hits out at ... From page 35 biggest tournament just months away. He stayed for a couple of hours, trying to convince me, before finally leaving.” Te n d u l k a r s a y s t h a t he then suggested to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that Chappell should not be sent with the team to t h e Wo r l d C u p , b u t i t was turned down. “I don’t think I would be far off the mark if I said that most of us
felt that Indian cricket was going nowhere under Chappell,” he wrote. Te n d u l k a r said several senior players were relieved to see Chappell go, “which was hardly surprising because, for reasons hard to comprehend, he had not treated them fairly”. Tendulkar, who retired last year as the world’s leading run-getter in b o t h Te s t a n d o n e - d a y
cricket, said that after getting Ganguly sacked as captain in 2005, Chappell wanted other senior players also to go. “Chappell seemed intent on dropping all the older players and in the process damaged the harmony of the side,” the master batsman wrote. “I later found out that Greg had spoken to the BCCI about the need to remove the senior players, no doubt hoping to refresh the team.”
Wednesday November 05, 2014 ARIES (MAR 21 - APR 19): Gossip and bad feelings among co-workers or in a group could occur today, and there might be some political shenanigans that it would be in your best interests to avoid. *************************** TAURUS (APR 20 MAY 20): Too much running around might have you feeling exhausted and under the weather today, Taurus. You may have been exercising a little too much. *************************** GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN 20): You could feel extremely passionate today, Gemini. You might want to connect with a love partner but be prevented by circumstances. You might be attracted to racier novels or movies. *************************** CANCER (JUN 21 - JUL 22): Electrical or plumbing problems with your house might come up. Call a professional, Cancer. *************************** LEO (JUL 23 - AUG 22): Stay close to home today, Leo. Spending too much time in the car could lead to stress or, in extreme cases, minor accidents. On the job, this could turn out to be one of those days. Avoid office politics and stay out of arguments. Try to sequester yourself and do your work alone. ************************ VIRGO (AUG 23 - SEP 22): Money matters might take a turn for the worse today. Don't fly off the handle because of this, Virgo. Use every bit of financial savvy you have to put things straight. Try to remain calm and collected when dealing with stubborn people. Don't be drawn into arguments.
LIBRA (SEP 23 - OCT 22): Libra, check your house to make certain everything is in working order. There are indications that small hazards could exist that need correcting. *************************** SCORPIO (OCT 23 - NOV 21): Short visits in your neighborhood could catapult you into some negative situations, Scorpio. It's best to stay close to home if you can. *************************** SAGITTARIUS(NOV22-DEC 21): Today you might be a bit worried about your financial affairs, Sagittarius. A past mistake could have led to some rather upsetting consequences *************************** CAPRICORN (DEC 22 JAN 19): Your physical energy is very high today, Capricorn. You're likely to want to get out and exercise, perhaps jog through the park or attend an aerobics class.
*************************** AQUARIUS (JAN 20 - FEB 18): Uncertainty about spiritual matters and doubt about your insights might have you down in the dumps today. Don't try to force any solutions - it won't work. This isn't a good day to be out and about, because travel of any kind could pose problems. *************************** PISCES (FEB 19 - MAR 20): If a friend or acquaintance gives you advice about money or investments today, don't take it. To follow this unknowledgeable person's lead might prove to be disastrous. Participation in group activities also isn't advisable. They could get out of hand, and you could find end up in the middle of an angry crowd.
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Paris 2024 bid could be boosted by public funding Reuters - Although France has not decided if it will bid to host the 2024 Olympic Games, the country’s Olympic Committee (CNOSF) is already planning a public funding operation to finance a possible candidacy for Paris. The CNOSF will say in January whether it wants to enter the race for the 2024 Games before French president Francois Hollande makes the final decision before September. The French Committee for International Sport (CFSI) is currently carrying out a study into the possibility of a French Olympic bid. Paris was stunned to lose out to London in the race for the 2012 Games.
Kenya’s... From page 34 substances. Documents seen by Reuters confirmed the substance was Erythropoeitin, a hormone growth substance prohibited by the sport’s world governing body. The documents stated that Jeptoo had until Tuesday to decide whether to have her B sample tested. It was not clear when the new test will be carried out. At least 36 Kenyan athletes have failed dope tests in the past two years. Kenyan government officials have blamed the growing doping cases on foreign agents and Athletics Kenya’s failure to educate its athletes properly.
Ramdass (131), McCalman ... From page 40 5-33.At Fyrish - Fyrish hammered No.1 Road by 141 runs. Fyrish 264 in 35 overs; Yuvindra Chinapen 54, Javed Mohamed 35, Munilall Shivdyal 26. No.1 Road 123 in 20 overs; Shivdyal 5-25. At No 70 - Corriverton beat No 70 Young Star by 94 runs. Corriverton 240 in 38 overs; Eric Phillips 46, Anthony Seeraj 39 Jeremy Moore 35, Imran Jabbar 26. Alim Haniff 3-29 and Thameshwar Kumar 2-48. No 70 Young Star 146 in 28 overs; Alim Hanif 25. Eric Phillips 4-9, Jermain Reid 325 and Faoud Bacchus 2-38. At Rose Hall Town Tamarind Root defeated Rose Hall Town Guns and Cannons by 8 wickets. Rose Hall Town Guns and Cannons 71 in 23.2 overs; Dilip Rengasammy 3-7. Tamarind Root 72-2 in 11 overs.
“There are strong possibilities (that we want to run),” CNOSF president Denis Masseglia told reporters on Tuesday. It will, however, be the government that decides if Paris is to be a candidate. Whether the United States bids could also be a factor but Masseglia believes the key is to secure the support of the French people. “We’ll listen to the conclusions of the (CFSI) study in January and then we’ll have about five months until the end of June to trigger the excitement of the French people,” Masseglia said, adding that a televised fundraising program could help. “We can imagine that over 24 hours ... all the sports friendly people in France contribute to the dream,” he
said. Whether the public funding operation helped secure the estimated 50-80 million euros ($63-100 million) that a bid would cost is not essential, according to Masseglia. “There is a point in showing the number of people who are interested, it’s the best opinion poll,” he said. The French successful bid to host the 2018 Ryder Cup was partly financed by the licensees, Masseglia said. Germany has announced that it will bid for the 2024 Games through Berlin or Hamburg. A string of potential hosts, including a U.S. city, Istanbul, Paris, Rome, Doha and a city from Africa, are also considering bids. The 2016 Summer Games will be held in Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo will stage the 2020 Olympics.
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Suriname football development on track, says Webb
FIFA apologizes to Ukraine over World Cup logo error
CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb (centre) at the groundbreaking ceremony for the SVB’s income generation project. Paramaribo, Suriname The official unveiling and opening of several significant projects undertaken by the Surinamese Football Federation (Surinaamse Voetbal Bond/SVB) was the main objective for a brief, but productive, visit by FIFA Vice President and CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb. The one-day programme consisted of a grassroots festival, groundbreaking for four new mini-fields — funded via FIFA’s Income Generation Programme – plus, meetings with key stakeholders, including government officials and football partners. “The Surinamese Football Federation is steadily progressing to enhance the
development of football, as evidenced by their current projects,” said Webb. “Within a very short time, they have created a solid grassroots foundation and have garnered the support of their government to improve the football program in Paramaribo.” Following FIFA’s grant to Suriname earlier this year for a Goal Project and income generation, the SVB plans to build a football shop and a new football stadium, according to SVB President, Mr. John Krishnadath. “President Webb has helped the SVB turn the page of football in Suriname, giving us the opportunity to become self-sustainable. Now we have two income generating
projects – the Orwu Cull mini fields, sports café and fitness gym, as well as the Win in CONCACAF funds which will be used to set up an SVB football shop so we can cater to all members,” said Mr. Krishnadath. “This is a completely new concept for football in our country and we are looking forward to conceptualizing it.” Webb added, “The SVB have developed some key partnerships to advance the sport in its country, which is of utmost importance to taking football to the next level for the benefit of the youth, clubs and administrators. I would like to congratulate them, under the leadership of its President, John Krishnadath.”
Kenya’s Jeptoo requests B test Reuters - Kenya’s Rita Jeptoo, winner of the Boston and Chicago Marathons for the last two years, has asked for a B test after failing an outof-competition doping test in September, officials said yesterday. Jeptoo met Kenyan athletics chiefs who informed her that she had been provisionally suspended from competition. Jeptoo told reporters last week that the accusation was false and requested to exercise her right to order testing of a B sample. David Okeyo, Athletics Kenya’s (AK) senior vice president, said Jeptoo had discussed her defense with the country’s top athletics body during the meeting. “We took her through the defense procedure as per the IAAF rules. She also requested that further test be performed,” Okeyo told reporters. “As at now, she is provisionally suspended from competition as she goes through the
Rita Jeptoo (Credit: Reuters/Brian Snyder) procedure. That is the standard procedure. But that does not mean she has been sanctioned. We will discuss the rest after the B sample has been tested.” Jeptoo, who had been due to be crowned the world marathon majors (WMM) women’s champion in New York on Sunday following her back-to-back wins in Boston and Chicago, declined to talk to reporters.
“Nothing” is all she said when asked for a comment. WMM, which organizes races in Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York, postponed the awards ceremony and said it was disappointed by Jeptoo’s failed doping test. AK announced last week that Jeptoo’s A sample indicated the presence of prohibited (Continued on page 33)
Reuters - FIFA has apologized to Ukraine for an error during last week’s presentation of the 2018 World Cup logo in Moscow which showed the Crimean peninsula as a part of the Russian Federation. The incident added tension to relations between the countries after Ukraine’s Crimea peninsula was annexed by Russia in March, sparking the ongoing military conflict between Ukrainian government forces and Russian-backed separatists. The Football Federation of Ukraine published a letter of apology from FIFA on its official website. “Reference is made to the unfortunate incident which
happened during the official emblem launch for the 2018 World Cup in Moscow, Russia,” FIFA said. “As part of the official emblem launch, the Local Organising Committee commissioned a local creative agency with a n a r t projection on the Bolshoi Theatre as a unique photo and filming opportunity. “Unfortunately, a map of Russia, showing the Ukrainian region of Crimea a s p a r t o f R u s s i a , was selected and used during the projection by the local service provider which escaped FIFA’s attention when uploading the video footage on our website and YouTube channel.
“Once this unfortunate incident was brought to our attention we immediately removed the short sequence in question. We regret any inconvenience caused by this unfortunate incident and will assure you to be more attentive to the material produced by the third parties in the future.” Ukraine officially approached FIFA and UEFA in August to impose strict sanctions against Russia for letting three Crimean clubs play in the Russian league. A special working group set up by the soccer ruling bodies has been struggling to resolve the issue since September.
Djokovic handed favorable draw at ATP finals
London (AP) - Two-time defending champion Novak Djokovic has been handed a favorable draw at the ATP World Tour Finals, while Roger Federer and Andy Murray will meet in the round-robin phase. The top-seeded Djokovic, who won his 20th Masters title in Paris on Sunday, was placed in the same group with Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka, U.S. Open winner Marin Cilic and Tomas Berdych for the seasonending, eight-man tournament, which starts Sunday in London. ‘’Two successive titles in London in the last two years gave me reason to believe that I can do well,’’ said Djokovic after winning in Paris, where he did not drop a set during the whole week. The in-form Federer, meanwhile, is in Group B along with Murray and newcomers Kei Nishikori and Milos Raonic. Djokovic as a combined career record of 41-5 against his group while Federer leads his round-robin opponents 19-14. Djokovic, this year’s Wimbledon champion, is unbeaten on indoors courts the past two years and is vying with Federer for the year-end No. 1 ranking. The Serb extended his lead over the 17-time Grand Slam champion to 1,310 points as he bids to finish the year on top for the third time. ‘’It helps that I’m playing well, and that I’m feeling good about myself on the court playing indoors,’’ Djokovic said. ‘’Every match that I play, every match that I play and win, gets me closer to holding No. 1 the end of the year.’’
Novak Djokovic
Roger Federer
Andy Murray Federer’s quarterfinals loss in Paris against Raonic has hampered his bid to overtake Djokovic in London, where a potential 1,500 points are up for grabs. Rafael Nadal is skipping the tournament
after undergoing appendix surgery on Monday.Cilic, Raonic and Nishiroki are newcomers at the elite tournament while Berdych is competing for the fifth straight year.
Wednesday November 05, 2014
Kaieteur News
Letter to the Sports Editor
Unethical golf decision DEAR EDITOR, The decision to select the female Guyana Open golf champion from net scores is extremely distasteful and leads to the belief that nepotistic tendencies have infiltrated even Guyana’s most prestigious sport. For many years this tournament has rewarded the best golfers in both the male and female categories. This means that gross scores (without handicap) were always used to decide the winners. So it seems rather strange that a decision was made this year to change only the female portion of it. Why did the executives leave the male division unchanged? Why the double standards? Why the need to make it solely a net tournament for the females in the first place? Almost every other local golf competition rewards outstanding net (with handicaps) performances. And given that our country has an amateur field of players with varying handicaps (better players get lower handicaps); it makes for a level playing field all other times, but the Guyana Open has always been about prestige and has always rewarded greatness. To have donned the blue jacket under Banks DIH (past
sponsor) and now the red under Digicel has always produced a euphoric setting. Maybe that is why people have travelled from different countries for a chance at the coveted prizes in both the male and female divisions. So it bemuses me to understand the rationale behind this decision? Were they (the executives) trying to level the playing field? Where is the justification in that? Christine Sukhram (ninehandicap) without a doubt is the best female golfer this country has produced in the last decade and she has merited winning the tournament multiple times. So is it fair to assume that a changing of the guard was high on the agenda? How can the executives argue themselves out of this quagmire when two high ranking members have daughters involved? Golfers Joaan Deo (20handicap) and Shanella Webster (22-handicap) are daughters of the club captain and the club’s vice president respectively. Was this a move to have one of the girls win the tournament or at least give them a fighting chance? Both young ladies are worthy players, but none is at the level of Sukhram and
none (at this stage in their game) can beat her in a gross tournament. Although congratulations are in order for Deo in winning the 2014 tournament, if we had used last year’s format, Sukhram would have been crowned champion, owing to her superior gross score. Even if levelling the field was not the motive for change, and another logical reason can be conjured, though this seems highly unlikely, these decision makers must be cognisant that any strange move would come under the microscope and that the general public would scrutinise such. This change, in all fairness, has relegated the stature of the female jacket. In moving forward, the golf club executives need to make decisions that can positively impact the sport, if they do intend to level the playing field, for the most prestigious event on the golf calendar, then do so for both males and females and seek broader consensus. Don’t do it for personal reasons, and better yet don’t place yourself in positions that would demerit all that you have achieved. Yours faithfully, Amy Baksh
Tendulkar hits out at ‘ringmaster’ Chappell Sachin Tendulkar has launched a scathing criticism of Greg Chappell’s conduct as India’s cricket coach, saying the former Australian great tried to disrupt the team by having senior players thrown out. In his autobiography “Playing It My Way” which is to be released tomorrow, Tendulkar describes Chappell as a “ringmaster who imposed his ideas on the players without showing any signs of being concerned about whether they felt comfortable or not”. During Chappell’s controversial tenure as coach from 2005 to 2007, Sourav Ganguly was sacked as captain before the coach was himself shown the door after India’s shock first-round exit from the 2007 World Cup. In extracts from the book released by the Press Trust of India on Monday, Tendulkar says Chappell offered him the captaincy a
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Fullbore Captain looking forward Palma and World Long Range C/ships 2015 - expects Caribbean to hold its own
National Captain, Mahendra Persaud (left) with fellow Palma selectees Ransford Goodluck (backing camera) and Dylan Fields in discussion at the Timehri Ranges Saturday last. By Franklin Wilson National Fullbore Captain, Mahendra Persaud has said that he is looking forward to next year’s Palma and World Long Range Shooting Championships which is set for Camp Perry, Ohio from 3rd to 14th August. Persaud who has been one of the top flight shooters in Guyana and the region disclosed that the Caribbean is expected to send a strong team that would hold its own among the best in the world. He noted that it would not be easy but the West Indies Full Bore Shooting Council (WIFBSC) will be pulling out all the stops to have its strongest team compete. The Regional body at its last executive meeting which was held in Jamaica in May last to coincide with the Caribbean Championships had taken the decision that in the year when the Palma
championships are held, there would be no Caribbean competition to ensure maximum participation. The Palma championship which is considered the World Cup of Shooting is held every four years with the last championship held in Australia in 2011. Canada hosted in 2007, England in 2003 and South Africa in 1999. The geographical locations would pose serious financial challenges for the Caribbean team but with it being held in the USA, Persaud said that the WIFBSC will capitalize on sending a full team. “The last time we participated was in 2007 and the championship before that. With the USA set to host next August we will be there. I expect a strong team from the shooters that have been shortlisted as I also expect that a number of our leading
shooters will also make that team which would be coached by Jamaican John Nelson and our own Paul Slowe as Manager.” Six Guyanese and five Jamaicans have been named in a 16-member shortlist along with two reserves. Jamaican female Karen Anderson is in the 16 while Barbadian female Shellyann Hinds is one of the reserves. Persaud also noted that this is where the ‘Big Boys Play’ referring to the best shooters being in contention, the likes of countries such as the home team USA, Canada, Great Britain, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Germany, Continental Europe and Kenya. Competition is held at the 800, 900 and 1000 Yards Ranges and will be held under the auspices of the International Confederation of Fullbore Rifle Associations (ICFRA).
Emirates Airline, one of the largest spenders in sport, has confirmed it will not renew its global sponsorship deal with FIFA, world football’s governing body, beyond the end of 2014. ‘Emirates can confirm that a decision has been made not to renew the sponsorship agreement with FIFA past 2014,’ a short statement on Monday confirmed. ‘This decision was made following an evaluation of FIFA’s contract proposal which did not meet Emirates’ expectations’. According to
some reports, the airline had spent US$100 million on its FIFA sponsorship over the past four years. It is one of six global partners of the organisation, alongside Adidas, Coca-Cola, Hyundai/Kia, Sony and Visa, which are believed to pay anything between US$24 million and US$44 million annually for marketing rights. Russian oil giant Gazprom signed a deal in September last year to become a FIFA partner, with its contract running from the start of 2015 until after Russia’s hosting of the World Cup in 2018.
It was reported last week that Sony is also unlikely to renew its agreement, which expires at the end of this year. Emirates has been a FIFA partner since 2006, a period which included three men’s World Cups. Cristiano Ronaldo and Pele were among its ambassadors for this year’s tournament in Brazil. Qatar Airways has been named in some reports as a possible replacement for Emirates ahead of the 2022 World Cup, which is scheduled to be played in Qatar. (SOCCEREX)
Emirates Airline confirms end to FIFA sponsorship
Sachin Tendulkar, (L) and his wife Anjali. few months before the showpiece tournament in the Caribbean to replace the incumbent Rahul Dravid. “Just months before the (2007) World Cup, Chappell had come to see me at home and, to my dismay, suggested that I should take over the captaincy from Rahul Dravid,” Tendulkar writes. “Anjali (Tendulkar’s wife),
who was sitting with me was equally shocked to hear him say that ‘together, we could control Indian cricket for years’, and that he would help me in taking over the reins of the side. “I was surprised to hear the coach not showing the slightest amount of respect for the captain, with cricket’s (Continued on page 31)
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Wednesday November 05, 2014
IBF approves Dharry vs Jose Bravo: It’s all sorted out Rios intercontinental title fight He has one, relatively speaking, big win. That was a (TKO) in round (1) over Leshaun Blair back in August of this year. His next outing will take place at the L.B. Scott Sports Auditorium on Long Wall Road in Philipsburg, St. Maarten on the “THIS IS IT WAR” Boxing Card presented by Bose Promotion / Co- promotion Elton Dharry promotion. Elton Dharry will come up against another youngster named Jose Rios, 131-1 (6 KOs) from Nicaragua. Dharry will go through what most young fighters must go through; he’ll be facing a skillful hard hitting opponent who he has never seen fight before. He was informed about his style, somewhat, but it’s not the same as two named fighters facing each other, knowing exactly who and what kind of fighter the other guy is. It’s a rite of passage; a part of the journey that a fighter must endure. Elton Dharry believes that one day he will know who he is facing when he becomes the world champion and he fully believes he will be the champion.After his first nine encounters his record stood at a dismal 3-5-1 (1 KO), then he ran off three wins in a row, including the Kadem fight. Now his record looks a little brighter at 16-wins 5-loses -1- draw (10 KOs). What has changed for Elton Dharry? Was it a change in style, attitude, what?”My early fights were short notice fights,” explained Dharry. “Even if I deserved the win, it was difficult to get it. Now I get enough time to prepare. Now I’m fully prepared and I know that no matter what happens I’m going out and fight really hard to prove that I’m really a champion to be reckoned with, wins, not making it a close fight where the judges say, okay, it’s a close fights so I’ll give it to the favorite.”While he claims that he has improved as a fighter, these wins happened, he said, because he is well conditioned and ready. ”I’m well trained I gain a lot more confidence,” added Elton
Elton Dharry
Dharry. “I usually go in there and I am thinking if I don’t knock this guy out and it goes the distance that I’m going to get robbed. Now I have more confidence and I don’t feel like I have to go in and knock someone out to win.” It’s all about hit and don’t get hit, beter defence.”Dharry currently trains at the famed Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn,NewYork under Head Trainer Martin Gonzales, SecondTrainerLennox Blackmore, and Strength and Conditioning Coach Neuky Santelises. He is managed by Jen Masters and Pearl Shiv under Elton Dharry Promotions.Now considering that a bantamweight fighter weighs only 118 pounds, Dharry must be tough. Regardless of his diminutive stature, he claims that he always won after many scraps during his time in school. After watching some amateur boxing with his dad he decided that it was something that he could do. After doing well as an amateur going 20-4, he turned pro.”I was always in fights on the street and at school,” said Dharry. “And I always won
them. Then I saw some fights on TV and I wasn’t so impressed. They box and get paid for it, I was like, ‘dam I could beat them.’”In his amateur days he fought in the US Nationals, the Metro finals, and the Olympic boxoffs in 2003 and 2004. He turned pro at the end of 2004 with a six round unanimous decision over Mark Fernandes.His nickname is an unusual one. He’s called “The Real Coolie Bully”. He explained that by saying that it means that he is a very tough Indian fighter.On Saturday night December 6th, 2914 at the L.B. Scott Sports Auditorium he will have the chance to extend that win streak and prove that he truly is “The Real Coolie Bully.” 16win 5-loses -1- draw (10 KOs). When facing the slick hard hitting Nicaraguan Jose Rios with a outstanding record of 13 wins 1-loss 1-draw with (6 KO.s).Co-main event on this card will the IBO Vacant female Heavyweight belt for grab by Carllette “The truth Ewell vs Sonya “The Scholar” Lamonakis.
CS&TC stages Tourism Month of activities
Race walkers are asked to don their boots as the executive of the Cavaliers Sports and Tour Club (CS&TC) is set for a month of intense activities in commemoration of Tourism Awareness Month. Activities get underway with the ECD race walk on Sunday; athletes will start off at the President’s College, Golden Grove ECD, proceed to the Golden Grove Market and then
retrace their steps to the place of origin. On Saturday November 15, the walkers will travel to the city, at CS&TC headquarters, Jennifer Major’s Residence, California Square, East Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, for an exhibition to commemorate Tourism Awareness Month. Then on Sunday November 16, the walkers convene at the inner circuit of the National Park
for a 10K walk. Activities then move to the Mining Town Sunday November 30 when the walkers engage in another 10K race commencing at the Wismar end of the Linden Bridge, onto the Bayroc Recreational Centre, Wisroc for the finish. The first three finishers in all of the events will receive trophies and medals donated by members of the corporate community.
WICRICNEWS - A fullstrength West Indies team will tour South Africa next month despite their dramatic midseries withdrawal from India last month, one-day international captain Dwayne Bravo said in Durban yesterday. “It’s all sorted out and the West Indies are going to be back playing again,” Bravo said at Kingsmead, where he was officially welcomed as the Dolphins’ overseas player for the domestic T20 competition. The Caribbean outfit will play three Tests, three T20 Internationals and five ODIs around the country over the festive period. Doubts over the tour surfaced after the West Indian team cut short its tour of India last month over a pay dispute. Reports on Monday indicated the contract crisis was close to an end. “As far as I know the best West Indies team will tour South Africa,” Bravo said. “Everyone is available as far as I know and we look forward to trying to give the South African boys a good run. It’s always going to be tough, but it’s good that all the matters are resolved now.” The seasoned all-rounder
Dwayne Bravo was looking forward to his spell with the Dolphins and hoped the team would repeat last season’s success. “We know South Africa in general is tough country, so you need to be well prepared and have a good work ethic. “I expect it will not be an easy tournament. It’s going to really test my skills, but I’m looking forward to the challenge. “The priority is a top two spot that will put us in the Champions League. The guys did it last year and I’m sure we can do it again this year.” Bravo was the last of five high-profile West Indian
players to arrive in the country for the T20 series. Kieron Pollard, Darren Sammy, Andre Russell and Chris Gayle all took part in the triple-header opening matches in Johannesburg over the weekend. Playing in domestic competition would help the players acclimatize ahead of their seven-week tour which starts next month. “The five of us will be part of the ODI and T20 set-up so it’s a good preparation for us. Some of us go to the Big Bash after that too, so this will help us. “But for now I just want to focus on the job at hand and share my experience. Also to learn from one of the great all-rounders of his time — coach Lance Klusener. I’m looking forward to it.” Klusener, meanwhile, was ecstatic to have signed “the best all-rounder in the world”. “Dwayne is probably the best all-rounder in the world in my mind,” Klusener said. “So going after the very best is what we try to do and I’m happy we were able to get him. From a team balance point of view, he fills two gaps and he is also a natural winner.” (Sports24)
Emrit named T&T four-day captain, Ramdin alleges ‘victimisation’ ESPNcricinfo - West Indies’ Test captain Denesh Ramdin believes he has been axed as captain of the Trinidad & Tobago squad for the forthcoming domestic fourday tourname n t a n d h a s alleged, in an interview with Trinidad Express, that he is being “victimised”. Allrounder Rayad Emrit has been named captain of the T&T side. Patrick Rampersad, a vicepresident of the Trinidad & To b a g o C r i c k e t B o a r d (TTCB), has denied Ramdin’s allegation. Ramdin said he had met the TTCB executive on November 3 to discuss the forthcoming season and admitted the move had come as a shock as he had anticipated continuing his tenure as captain. “It [the meeting] was to talk about playing for Trinidad so I told them [TTCB], ‘Yes I will be available for Trinidad,’ and I said, ‘Yes, no problem, I will be at training tomorrow [November 4],’ and then they said I am no longer the captain,” he said. “So I said how could I be West Indies captain and play for T&T under somebody
else. When I was captain for the four-day and the 50-over teams and Dwayne [Bravo] was captain for West Indies’ one-day squad, the guys said because h e i s o n e - d a y captain, it would look bad if he comes back to play for T&T under somebody else, so he captained the team for the Super50. Now it is the same situation, if I am captain for West Indies and have to come back to play under somebody else.” Ramdin alleged he was being victimised and said that he had been asked about the abandoned India tour during the meeting with the TTCB. Ramdin believed the team was moving in a different direction, but said that his removal served as a motivating factor. “In moving forward they are trying to go in a different direction,” he said. “I am axed as captain and they announced Rayad Emrit will be captain going forward for Trinidad & Tobago. I think it is more victimisation because they were asking me questions about India and my lawyer said not to talk about it so I think they were trying
to get more information on that aspect. “I think they are trying to victimise me and some of the other players, but I am not going to let it disrupt me mentally. I am just trying to get back into the right frame of mind to play and I know we [T&T] have a couple of games before going to South Africa so I will just try to get myself mentally prepared. We have a game against Barbados at the Oval so that is my main focus right now, to get out there and be playing cricket again.” Rampersad reportedly told Trinidad Express that the executive could not have removed Ramdin as captain without a recommendation from the selectors. Alec Burns, head of the selection panel, told the paper that the panel had made recommendations but could not reveal them. He said the panel could only make recommendations and that the final decision rested with the TTCB executive. Azim Bassarath, the board president, also said that players “cannot be victimised” for abandoning the India tour.
Wednesday November 05, 2014
Kaieteur News
Fitness Express/GAPF Senior National Open set for Sunday - crème de le crème will aim to out lift each other Guyana’s strongmen and women will close pull the lid on this year’s competitions when the Fitness Express sponsored, Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF) senior national open championships are held this Sunday (November 9) at the Saint Stanislaus College Auditorium, Brickdam. According to the GAPF, twenty-four (24) lifters including three females from six Gyms across Guyana have already signaled their intentions to compete headed by reigning Overall Best Lifter, Vijai Rahim from the Hardcore Barbell Gym who will lead the charge from the Ancient County which will also include the explosive Anis Ade Thomas (Elite Systems Gym). Also in the reckoning will be the tested, tried and proven warrior - World Masters II Deadlift Record holder in the 277.5kg category, Winston ‘Little Master’ Stoby of Kingsrow Gym. Reigning Caribbean Gold medalists Osmond Mack and Marino Jeffrey (Life Gym), Germaine Snagg (Buddy’s gym) and silver medalists Karel Mars (Buddy’s Gym), Paul Adams and Erwyn Smith (Body Maxx gym) as well as former 2010 Caribbean gold medalist Farouk Abdool (Hardcore gym) will all be in the limelight which sets the tone for an enthralling day of competition. Rivalry on the distaff side will see a new overall champion being crowned in the absence of Caribbean and National champion Kimberley MarsLonke who will not be defending her crown. Promising heavyweight Natoya Robinson of Life Gym will seek to make amends for last year’s failed attempts whilst the fast improving and technically correct Andrea Smith of Body Maxx Gym and the exciting Chloe Hunter (Buddy’s Gym) are to be watched as they too will be aiming for the coveted crown. IPF Certified Category II
Fitness Express Owner/Manager Jamie Mc Donald (right) hands over the sponsorship cheque to GAPF’s Paul Adams. Judges John Edwards and Edwin Spencer will spearhead the judges’ panel. With the added incentives of selection to the senior National team for next year’s Caribbean Powerlifting Championships tentatively set to be hosted by the GAPF next March, Pan American Championships (Sao Paolo, Brazil) in August and Commonwealth Championships (Vancouver, Canada) in December, fans can look forward to an entertaining day which can very well produce some record breaking lifts. Weigh in time is set for 07:30hrs to 09:30hrs, the opening ceremony will commence five minutes later while competition time is at 10:00hrs sharp. The GAPF is reminding lifters that the competition will be run strictly under IPF rules. Only lifters competing at this year’s championship will be eligible for selection to teams for international competition next year. Senior national lifters who have represented Guyana before
will only be considered for selection upon presentation of a certified medical document from a list of approved medical doctors identified by the GAPF proving their inability to participate at the National Open, due to injury. As part of the federation’s fund raising drive for next year’s activities as well as to defray costs for hosting the event, the federation will be charging an entrance fee of $500. Meals and beverages will also be available on Sunday. Meanwhile, Long time sponsors Fitness Express through Owner/Manager Jaime Mc Donald handed over a cheque to GAPF Executive Member Paul Adams being sponsorship for Sunday’s competition. Mc Donald again expressed delight for being able to be a part of the GAPF’s marquee event while Adams expressed gratitude to Mc Donald and Fitness Express for their continued commitment to the overall development of the sport.
Students go for honours in Queen’s College Inter-class sports The students of the nation’s premiere learning institution, Queen’s College, will be engaged in keen competition when their sports master, Johnny Barnwell, plans several sporting activities starting this morning and concluding Friday. When activities get underway today, the boys and girls at the 3rd Form levels will compete in inter-class tapeball cricket. The matches will be 10 overs affairs and 3A will take on 3B from 12:00hrs at the school’s ground. Activities continue at the same venue tomorrow and Friday when the children at the 2nd Form level
engage in a similar match; 2B will take on 2C tomorrow followed by the matches between the children of the 1st Forms. The matches start at 12:00hrs and will include Girls – 1D versus 1C followed by 1A against ‘1B. 1D Boys will then take on their counterparts from 1C and later on 1A Boys will play the boys of 1B. Meanwhile, the Queen’s College Allied Arts Department recently held an Inter-House Volleyball Competition at the school’s Court; H house prevailed over B house in the finals 21-14, 21-12, 21-15. Trophies and medals for all of the events were donated by Trophy Stall, Bourda Market.
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Girls 11 and under Schools Football Tournament Launched
Ministries of Health, Education, Ansa McAl, Health 2000 Inc on board “Today marks another groundbreaking day in the Petra Organisation and as we’ve said in the past, our aim is to help in the development of football in Guyana,” were the opening remarks of Petra Organisation Co-Director Troy Mendonca, during the Launch of the Ministry of Health / Health 2000 (Guyana) Inc. / Ministry of Education / Ansa McAl under the Smalta brand 11 and under Girls Schools Football Tournament, at the Girls Guides Pavilion on Brickdam yesterday. Mendonca, along with representatives of the sponsors’ addressed the media to signal the Launch of the inaugural event told the gathering that many questions were asked after the entity had staged mainly competitions for boys and pointed to yesterday’s occasion as irrefutable evidence of their commitment to the development of the sport. “We’re all about youth development and this follows the successes we’ve had with the Courts Pee Wee Under-11 and the Milo Under-20 competitions,” Mendonca remarked. According to him, a dozen schools have been invited and they will be placed in three groups of four to play a round-robin format with the top two from each automatically moving on to the knockout phase, while the top two third place finishers
will join them in the quarter finals. The tournament will kick off on November 14 and run until December 13 with all matches slated for the Girls Guide ground, Brickdam and the Organisers are anticipating it to be a huge success. Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam in his remarks first congratulated the Organisation for once again demonstrating that it is serious about the development of football and youths. He disclosed that the event was conceptualized at the end of the last term, but for various reasons did not materialize until now and he is extremely excited about it both himself and his Ministry. “What was missing was a tournament like this one which starts at the fundamental level and what we noticed was that none of the other organisations involved in the sport were coming forward with a venture such as this one and on behalf of the Ministry I would like to extend congratulations to the Petra Organisation,” Sam noted. Public Relations Officer of Ansa McAl Trading, Darshanie Yussuf, said her company is “excited” be on board, noting that the investment in female football is a welcomed one. Ansa McAl Trading is sponsoring the competition under its Smalta brand, and
according to Yussuf said she is looking forward to a “competitive” tournament. Administrative Assistant of Health 2000 (Guyana) Inc., Shunet Lewis Crandon in her presentation shortly after giving a brief outline of the entity’s function expressed excitement about the timing of the tournament, adding that they will use the opportunity to expand partnerships in Health care. Dr. Janice Woolford, who also represented the Ministry of Health, first congratulated the Petra Organisation for showing the intuition to stage such a tournament, before telling those present of the Ministry’s plan to hold parenting sessions on playing days. She said that while the competition will begin with twelve schools it is hoped that it could expand to the stage where it accommodates an even higher number in the near future. Dr. Woolford, the Maternal and Child Health Officer of the Health Ministry uttered how happy her organisation is to hear of the involvement of girls in a football competition. The schools invited to participate are: St Margaret’s, West Ruimveldt, Tucville, North Georgetown, South Ruimveldt, St Pius, Marian Academy, F.E. Pollard, Enterprise, East La Penitence, St Stephen’s and Stella Maris. Smith’s Memorial is on standby.
GRFU to conduct beep test The Guyana Rugby Football Union(GFRU) in its efforts to get the national team into top shape for their Mexico sojourn and the NACRA Sevens tournament in December 3-4, 2014, will be conducting a Beep Test for the selected players today at the National Park ground. The test would be conducted by fitness instructor Barrington Brown, from 17:00hrs (5pm) a release from the Union informed. At the end of this test, the
GRFU selectors will be announcing the final national squad which would be working under head coach Theodore Henry. The national squad would continue to train every Tuesday Wednesday Thursday and Saturday from 16:30hrs (4:30pm) and on Sunday from 09:00hrs (9am). President of the GRFU, Peter Green, along with Patron Kit Nascimento are expected to meet the players after the fitness test.
The overseas players Vallon Adams, Claudius Butts, Richard Staglon, Peabo Hamilton and Kevin McKenzie, Dominic Lespierre are due home shortly to join the local squad. Additionally, the appointments for Captain and Head Coach of the Mexico team were made following an executive meeting Monday. The team is expected to depart Guyana on Thursday, November 27, and from Mexico on Friday December 5, 2014.
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Kaieteur News
Guyana Jaguars practice match
Hetmyer (100), Crandon (96) share century partnership; Permaul bags 2nd 5-Wkt-haul By Sean Devers Shemron Hetmyer stroked a responsible century and shared a 119-run partnership with Royston Crandon, who fell four short of his hundred to spur Vishaul Singh’s X1 to a respectable 311-6 by the close of the opening day of the second and final four-day practice match to select the Guyana Jaguars team for the inaugural West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League Regional Four-Day Franchise Tournament which starts on November 14. West Indies under-19 lefthander Hetmyer played with refreshing maturity in a wonderfully constructed even ton which was decorated with 12 fours and a six while Crandon’s attacking 96 also included a dozen fours and a six before left-arm Test spinner Veerasammy Permaul followed up his 6-126 in the first match at Bourda by taking four wickets in the last two sessions to end the day with 5-74 from 25 overs to stage a fight back from Leon Johnson’s X1. Singh’s X1 opted to bat on a track with a ‘tinge’ of grass and got off to a slow but solid start on a slow pitch which is already starting to keep low. Kandasammy Surujnarine and Taignarine Chanderpaul put together 40 in 17.5 overs on a day blessed with glorious sunshine before Chanderpaul (16) pushed forward to Permaul and was trapped LBW. Hetmyer joined fellow Berbician Surujnarine to take their team to 76-1 by Lunch and after the interval Hetmyer rocked back and cut Bajan left-arm seamer Raymond Reifer disdainfully behind point for four while Surujnarine delightfully swept Permaul to the ropes to bring up the 100. However, Surujnarine, whose 44 included seven fours, was deceived and bowled by Permaul, who bowled with teasing flight and got the ball to turn yesterday to leave the score on 103-2. It was soon 113-3 when Skipper Singh, uncharacteristically missed a swipe at Permaul first ball
Wednesday November 05, 2014
GMR&SC officials meet with competitors ahead of November 16 CMRC
Seaboard Marine CMRC / GMR&SC officials from left, Mahendra Boodhoo, Desiree Lee, Christopher ‘Kit’ Nascimento, John Chin and Cheryl Gonsalves seen at the Competitors Meeting.
Shemron Hetmyer cuts Bajan Raymond Reifer to point boundary yesterday.
Royston Crandon punches off the back foot during his 96 yesterday.
before connecting for four off the next ball. His luck ran out when tried to clear mid-on to give the 25-yearold Permaul his third wicket. Crandon hammered leftarm spinner Gudakesh Motie back over his head for four while Hetmyer danced into Motie and dumped down the ground to reach his 50 with six fours and a six and celebrated with a scorching sweep next ball which reached the boundary like a shot from a gun. The partnership progressed with Crandon greeting Narsingh Deonarine with an explosive straight hit for a one-bounce boundary but Deonarine, picked more for his batting, looked the best off-spinner on show displaying subtle flight and turn at a time when most of the local spinners bowled too flat. By Tea, Hetmyer (79) and Crandon (49) were well entrenched with their team on 198-3 and the partnership already worth 85. After the break, conditions became overcast and Chris Barnwell was smashed past point when he provided Hetmyer with width as the 17year-old galloped into the 90s
before Crandon got to his fifty with a single to long-on after reaching the boundary six times and clearing it once. After tucking a single to short mid-wicket to bring up his 100, Hetmyer seemed to relax on reaching three-figures and threw his wicket away with a rare rash drive off Barnwell and skied a catch to Deonarine at mid-off to leave the score on 232-4. Crandon continued to ooze confidence, pouncing on anything loose and a back foot punch off Deonarine was simply majestic. As the sunshine returned in all its brilliance, new batsman Chanderpaul Hemraj genuflected and caressed Reifer who was steady but went wicket less from 17 overs, for a delightful boundary. Crandon spent a long time in the nervous 90s before he was bowled by the impressive Permaul at 306-5 and the promising 74-run fifth wicket stand had been finally broken. With four overs left in t h e d a y, St e v e n J a c o bs (0) missed an ill-advised sweep at Permaul and was struck in-front without addition to the score. Hemraj remained to close unbeaten on 39 and with him is Ricardo Adams yet to score as Permaul orchestrated an afternoon fight-back while Reifer must be learning fast that bowling pace at the Providence Stadium is hard work. Today is the second day and play is scheduled to commence at 09:30hrs.
After benefitting from two FIA organised Courses, the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) will on November 16, the day assigned for the hosting of the final leg of the Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship final leg, put on display all that was learnt during the sessions by the visiting officials. To this effect, the entity
held a Competitors Meeting recently to apprise competitors gearing up for the final showdown of regional drivers and riders about the rules and regulations that will govern the Meet. Apart from the competitors, the Meeting which was held at the GMR&SC Headquarters on Albert Street had in attendance Race DirectorChristopher ‘Kit’ Nascimento,
Race Secretary-Desiree Lee, Vice President- Mahendra Boodhoo, Assistant Race Secretary- Cheryl Gonsalves and Clerk of Course-John Chin. According to a source from the entity, it is anticipated that the officials and competitors will meet again shortly to duplicate the exercise and to ensure that what was being disseminated is clearly understood by all.
Businessman remembers ‘Forgotten Youths’ and donates boxing gear to gym
Mr. Hall (stooping front row) poses with Blake (2nd right) and the boxers shortly after the gift had exchanged hands. They toil on a daily basis, devoid of some of the most basic requirement, yet they press on with the hope that their fortunes will change someday. Last Monday afternoon, the boxers plying their trade at the Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF) received a glimmer of hope when overseas based Guyanese sports enthusiast, Raymond Hall, donated a set of gear to assist in their daily preparations. Hall resides in the United States of America but has invested in the local business industry, owning several stores popularly known as the ‘Dollar Store.’ He said that he is a lover of the sport and when
approached to render assistance he could not possibly say no. The gear consists of gloves, mittens and jump ropes among others. Mr. Hall visited the James Street based gym and shortly after handing over the gift, spoke with the boxers after they had completed their training sessions. He expounded on the virtues of the sport even as he urged the pugilists to strive for great heights. He also promised to pay some interest in the boxers’ future development and hinted of further support in the near future. Top female boxer, Theresa London expressed gratitude
to Mr. Hall on behalf of the coaches and her other colleagues. She assured the businessman that his efforts are noted and the boxers would aspire to attain the lofty heights of which he spoke. The Forgotten Youth Foundation is a gift to the boxing community by boxing promoter and head of the People’s Syndicate Promotions, Keith Bazilio. Recently promoted, level three star coach, Sebert Blake, and former Jnr/Featherweight Fecarbox Champion, Joseph Murray, are the coaches responsible for the boxers’ development at that institution.
Kaieteur News
Wednesday November 05, 2014
Forde looking to make it- Foster four in a row wins first major 10k race
G u y a n a ’s d i s t a n c e running ace, Cleveland Forde will aim to end his 2014 Season on a high when he competes in the third instalment of International Association of Athletics Federations’ (IAAF) South American 10km Road Race in Panama. Forde enters the race with an impressive track record after winning the second stage of the same race on Sunday in Suriname. Forde, nicknamed ‘The Little Kenyan’, had also won the first stage in Guyana two weeks ago. The two highprofiled South American races, coupled with the Ainlim 10km Road Race, meant that Forde has won three in a row. He missed the Courts 10km Road Race owed to the Chikungunya virus. However, Forde, stating that he is not fully recovered, managed to win the first leg of the South American race in the best time recorded in Guyana for a
Cleveland Forde
Andrea Foster 10km race this year. Forde went on to win in Suriname in 32:45 ahead of local nemesis, Cleveland Thomas (32:52), who was third at the first stage. Guyana had a clean sweep in Suriname when Linden’s Winston Missingher finished third with 33:42 in the race. CARIFTA Games bronze medallist from last year, won her first major 10km race in Suriname when she won the
women’s version in 41:48 ahead of Caroline Marlet (42:22) and Esmeralda Amania (42:46) in that order respectively. Despite the continued absence of the Panamanians from the race in Guyana, Forde has been one of the most consistent representatives in Panama, which is of a higher altitude. His best placing is a second place finish, which he will hope to improve this year, winning his fourth consecutive 10k race to close the season.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday November 05, 2014
NBS/BCB 2nd Div. 40-over cricket
Ramdass (131), McCalman (5-24) guide Springlands into playoffs; Albion also advance Springlands defeated No. 71B to emerge as the top team of Zone O (Upper Corentyne/Central) to qualify for the last sixteen playoffs of the New Building Society (NBS) second division 40-over cricket
competition in Berbice. Spearheading the win was opening batsman Trishan Ramdass who blasted 131 (9x4 13x6), Deoprakash Ramdat made 57 (7x4 2x6) as Springlands amassed 379-5 in just 25
overs. When No 71 batted, they were bundled out for 102 in 11.5 overs compliments of pacers George McCalman who took 5-22 and Wayne Garnett, 436. Another team reaching
the playoff was Albion Community Centre who won their final Zone J (Lower Corentyne/Central) preliminary match against Tamarind Root to remain undefeated. Summarized scores: At No 71 - Springlands beat No 71 B by 267 runs. Springlands 369-5 in 25 overs; Trishan Ramdass 131, Deoprakash Ramdat 57, Soomdat Singh 44 and Michael Kendall 35. No 71
‘B’ 102 in 11.5 overs; George McCalman 5-22 and Wayne Garnett 4-36. At Albion - Albion Community Center thumped Tamarind Root by 80 runs. Albion Community Center 174-5 in 35 overs; Verapen Permaul 65, Adrian Sukhwa 39 and Ritesh Umroa 25. Dilip Ramsammy 3-25, Adrian Singh 2-46. Tamarind Root 94 in 26.3 overs; Asif Abrahim 28. Suruj Dookna 4-18, Satesh
Dwarka 3-23. At Bush Lot, West Berbice - Bush Lot Challengers got past Bush Lot United by 26 runs. Bush Lot Challenger 188 in 29.5 overs; Asgar Matabeek 64 and Asif Khan 43. Winston Joseph 4-24, Navendra Mahadeo 2-15, Gerald Moonsammy 2-25. Bush Lot United 162 in 30 overs; Terrence Dhanraj 33, Shawn Smith 31. Fizal Hera (Continued on page 33)
Kaieteur News
Wednesday November 05, 2014
CFU Men’s Caribbean Cup final starts Nov. 10th in Montego Bay
The grand finals of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Men’s Caribbean Cup kicks off at the Montego Bay Sports Complex, in the city of Montego Bay, Jamaica, November 10 with adouble-header. Curacao meet Trinidad andTobago at 5:30 pm in the early game, while defending champions Cuba encounter French Guiana in the feature game at 8:00pm. The eight top teams qualified for this regional competition are Trinidad & Tobago, French Guiana, Curacao and Cuba in Pool A. while in Pool B the teams are Antigua & Barbuda, Haiti, hosts Jamaica and Martinique. A t t h e e n d o f the tournament the two top teams from each group will take automatic spots in the CONCACAF Gold Cup for 2015; and the fifth placed team will compete in a home and away playoff game against a fifth placed team from the Unión Centro Americana d e F ú t b o l (UNCAF), the winners from this encounter will qualify
for the CONCACAF Gold Cup competition. Six teams emerged from the keenly contested ‘Second Round’which featured 12 teams divided into three Groups namely 7, 8 and 9. These games were played in Trinidad & Tobago, Haiti and Guadeloupe respectively. Trinidad & Tobago topped Group 7 securely with maximum nine points while Antigua & Barbuda earned four points to take second place. The Dominican Republic had four points as well but with a lesser goal average and St Lucia failed to get a point in all three games. In Group 8, Haiti topped the group with five points, just one ahead of French Guiana who gainedfourpoints. St Kitts and Nevis also got four points (lesser goal average) and Barbados ended with three points. Martinique topped Group 9 with seven points, Curacao were next with four points while host Guadeloupe and St Vincent and the Grenadines earnedthreeeach.
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t r o Sp Girls 11 and under Schools Football Tournament Launched See stories on P.37
Ministries of Health, Education, Ansa McAl, Health 2000 Inc on board
Sponsors and Stakeholders pose with students following the completion of the Ministry of Health / Health 2000 (Guyana) Inc. / Ministry of Education /Ansa McAl under the Smalta brand 11 and under Girls Schools Football Tournament, at the Girls Guides Pavillion on Brickdam yesterday.
Fitness Express/GAPF Senior GRFU to conduct beep test National Open set for Sunday Ryan Gonsalves Vijai Rahim
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