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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
The principle of it all From time to time we find that freedom of expression merely means the freedom of the owners of a media house to express their thoughts, ideas and feelings. In the developing world, if the owners are politicians, especially the ruling party, then the freedom of expression and the freedom of the press merely mean that the press is free to do what the government wants and to express mainly the views of the government. In recent times, this newspaper had taken to highlighting and presenting information presented by people in the know. Many of these people often said that they have been reporting to the authorities about evident malpractices, but the authorities would merely shrug and promise to do something. For example, people reported that the wife of a senior official in the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority had been able to purchase a house for $60 million. This woman, up to shortly before she made the purchase, was earning a salary of $40,000 per month. This information reached the ears of none other than the then President, Bharrat Jagdeo, who promised an investigation. The Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority was also similarly notified. Neither of these two men ever conducted an investigation. It was as if the issue of suspected corrupt transactions was nothing more than a suspicion. But even in cases where people presented the evidence, the then President would say that the evidence was not good enough to stand up in a court of law, and was therefore not enough to warrant sanctions. We know that in other societies once there is evidence then dismissal follows. The person is given a hearing at the departmental level and action is sometimes taken. This government has not been known to prosecute anyone for even theft. There was the remigrant issue and one woman was placed before the court. The other persons implicated were not even asked to offer an explanation and were in fact promoted within the same system. The woman placed before the court died and that was the end of the matter. We have had cases of known officers within the court system stealing money deposited for the payment of alimony and affiliation fees. After the news reports nothing happens. In one case a woman made one court appearance and that was the end of the matter; it has never again been called. So it was that this newspaper began to document the various episodes of corruption, starting with those high in the social order and close to the corridors of power. Immediately, one media house responded with a series of scurrilous attacks against the owner of this newspaper. As fate would have it, that issue has now grabbed national attention. One reporter decided that enough was enough and opted to resign rather than read the scurrilous material that her media owners were seeking to propagate. In any society the media is entrusted with the truth. Its mandate is to disseminate the truth faithfully and without fear or favour. However, in Guyana the owners of the media — particularly the state-owned media—have demonstrated a penchant for making the truth whatever the owner of that media house wants it to be. In this case, the aim of the owner of Guyana Times/TVG is to denigrate the owner of Kaieteur News, Glenn Lall. And the reason is simple — destroy all who dare to examine or probe anything in which he is involved. One cannot believe that the senior executive of the media house would sit with the media and concoct stories so libelous that were the victim of a mind to take legal action, the newspaper would have found itself in a mire. But then again, finance cannot be a problem for this group. But there are those who, although new and untrained in the working of the media, know what the principles are and despite the economic conditions, they are prepared to sacrifice so that standards of decency would prevail.
Thursday November 07, 2013
Letters... Where your views make the news
The Procurement Commission and Local Govt. Reform Bills must take priority DEAR EDITOR, Clinton Urling in a letter to your Sunday Newspaper 27th October 2013 on page 5 questioned “how can the custodians of our nation be so inflexible.” He posited the view that “the constant wrangling and quibbling is swiftly becoming the norm.” I wish to remind Urling that Guyana is not alone on the matter of political differences and posturing, out of the need to guard political space and leverage by political parties. In the parliaments of Europe and Asia, also closer to us in the United States of America, Congress and the Senate experience the same level of political infighting and posturing. Only recently the Government Services in America, almost 95% of the areas of administration and management, had to be closed because of intractable differences between the Republicans and the Democrats. An eventual compromise was worked out after a late retreat from the brink by the Republicans, who were the irrational adversaries in the deadlock. In Guyana, the PPP/C Government is the irrational adversary in the deadlock in the parliament and the nonsigning into law of decisions of the parliament.
The situation, as known to the Guyanese people, speaks to the PPP/C Government’s presumptuous belief that they own Guyana, all the national institutions and the people of Guyana inclusive. As such, the Government Leaders seem to have no interest in seeking compromise or give and take to accommodate the views of opposition political parties and the decisions of parliament, provided the Opposition votes prevail. Given the disrespect of the Government to the Opposition political parties, the Opposition has to demonstrate serious resolve to defend the people’s interest in the environment of predator-like Government machinations. Another area of disquiet that affects the nation is the Government’s apparent willingness to be in shady deals and less than transparent engagement and contracts with transnational organizations. It is either our Government officials who negotiate international business agreements and contracts are less than adequate to the tasks so they readily give away our national assets for a handshake, or they are a party unwittingly to a conspiracy against the people so they probably agree to deals at the expense of the
integrity of the benefits to the nation. The people’s representatives in the National Assembly are expected to defend and safeguard what is beneficial to national development. To this end, Government continues to blatantly ignore calls by the Opposition to implement constitutional requirements, which if in place will improve transparency in Governance, assure acceptable checks and balances, and further national development. It is the right and business of the opposition to force the Government to comply using parliamentary or any other means. It is my considered view that enactment of the Procurement Commission which is provided for in the Guyana Constitution and assent to the Local Government reform Bills as approved by the National Assembly, is substantially much more important to the Nation State at this point in time than any other matter before the legislative assembly. Much is being made by Urling and others on the importance of approving the money laundering and countering of terrorism bill by the National Assembly. That proposed Law, however, is nothing more than a continuation of the neocolonialism strategy of the U.S.A (Continued on page 25)
Harmon’s comments regarding the mining sector are distasteful DEAR EDITOR, As a professional and middle-aged entrepreneur within the mining sector for over a decade, I find the recent comments by APNU’s Joseph Harmon regarding the mining sector distasteful and setting the stage for misinforming the general public. I am surprised that APNU has not upbraided Harmon for his recent controversy with the private sector – the engine of Guyana’s economy. Now he is attacking miners who have contributed significantly to the GDP and the overall development of Guyana. Mr. Harmon is supposedly a learned person and as a lawyer and a Member of Parliament, he should not have chastised miners and loggers who work
under unimaginable conditions to earn a livelihood. Not all miners and loggers are engaged in illegal activities Mr. Harmon, and when some do and the regulatory authorities take action against them many lawyers, maybe even you, represent these same illegal miners/loggers against the government for taking action. Further, the recent unwarranted attacks on the Government regarding the Norway Funds are either that Mr. Harmon is ignorant of the facts or has chosen to ignore them to continue his tirade of misinforming the public to carry out his aspiration of painting a government portrait of mismanagement. However, the middle class hard working people of this country are witnesses to the effects of APNU’s
misguided statements and will not allow a downward spiral of our country. As such, I am making a plea for all miners and loggers to come forward and express their umbrage at the recent comments and attacks being led by APNU’s Joe Harmon, alleging that Guyana’s rate of deforestation is due to illegal mining and forest activities. This comment has branded all miners and loggers; as such an apology from APNU is being demanded. Notwithstanding, the negative outlook APNU and Mr. Harmon have on Guyana’s deforestation, we the stakeholders of the mining and forest sectors stand firm to be part of the solution rather assigning blame. Mark Fraser
We are not being paid anything near what is being publicised DEAR EDITOR, It has been indicated that Cevons Waste Management/Dartmouth Skips Rental are being paid 38 million dollars for the removal of garbage from the Stabroek Market and we would be happy to clear the air. STABROEK MARKET At this market we were responsible for the provision of a Waste Compactor to store and compress the waste. The City Council workers were responsible for collecting the garbage in and around the Stabroek Market and bringing same to our Compactor for storage and disposal. At Stabroek Market our Compactor was working from 7am to
6pm for G$23,657.00 daily or G$2,150.00 per hour, inclusive of Sundays and holidays, moving about eleven (11) truck loads of garbage per day. This equates to $2,150.00 to take a truck load of garbage to Eccles Landfill Site. BOURDA MARKET At the Bourda Market we were responsible for providing a Waste Compactor from 7am to 5pm but we were working up to 11pm at no extra cost to city council. We were being paid G$28,800.00 daily or G$1,800.00 per hour, inclusive of Sundays and holidays, moving about seventeen (17) truck loads of garbage per day. This
equates to $1,694.00 to take a truck load of garbage to Eccles Landfill Site. TOTAL PAYMENT Any Common Entrance Student would work out that the above amount is way below the $38 million per year that is being touted in the media. We have noted the number of equipment, inclusive of Backhoes, Tractor and Trailer, Trucks and labour, currently employed by the Council to move the same waste and would be happy to know the cost savings, notwithstanding value for money. Morris Archer Development and Marketing
Thursday November 07, 2013
Kaieteur News
Letters... Where your views make the news
Gutter journalism and brave young professionals DEAR EDITOR, I applaud the three young professional journalists that have taken a stand by resigning in support of high ethical journalism standards. Most if not all of your readers are familiar with the reasons these persons tendered their resignation; they felt uncomfortable engaging in gutter journalism which apparently they were asked to do, specifically as it relates to Mr. Glenn Lall. The majority of Guyanese public and other persons are aware the TVG and Guyana Times are both owned by Mr. Ranjsinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop - a confidant of the former President, Bharrat Jagdeo. We also know that Kaieteur News has done a fantastic job presenting related facts about corrupt, suspicious and illegal business acquisitions and practices. These practices happened under and/or were facilitated by the former administration; interestingly
many persons that worked in that administration are still employed by the State. We are also aware that in response to publishing their findings, Guyana Times and TVG began publishing fictitious stories about Mr. Lall in an attempt to smear his character and stop the good work he has been doing to expose corruption. Clearly the People’s Progressive Party propaganda machinery is at work here and clearly the link between TVG, Guyana Times, former President Jagdeo and his confidant Mr. Ranjsinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop has become more evident as the latter uses TVG and Guyana Times as a mouthpiece for the People’s Progressive Party. What is also clear for all to observe is that Mr. Ranjsinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop has not offered one shred of evidence in support of clearing his name. Shame on the Government of Guyana and former
President Bharrat Jagdeo for treating the citizens of Guyana which so much contempt; to think that we are so stupid we cannot see what’s happening and who are involved. Shame on TVG and Guyana Times for engaging in narrow-minded gutter journalism. I also encourage the journalists that resigned to issue a joint statement to the electronic and print press in and outside of Guyana. Thank you for your courage, bravery and foresight, Guyana needs more young professionals like you!!! Mike Archer
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Thursday November 07, 2013
President enacts three Local Govt. Elections Acts Months after being lodged at the Attorney General Chambers, three of the four Local Government Elections Bills passed in the National Assembly, on August 7 last, have been assented to by President Donald Ramotar yesterday. The President however did not assent to the Local Government (Amendment) Bill. The bills enacted by the Head of state are the Fiscal Transfers Act, the Municipal and District Councils (Amendment) Act, and the Local Government Commission Act. This is according to Dr. Roger Luncheon, Head of the Presidential Secretariat yesterday following his post-
- Bill to limit Minister’s powers outstanding Cabinet press briefing at the Office of the President. Dr. Luncheon said that the Local Government (Amendment) Bill, which stirred a lot of controversies on the floor of the House at the time of its enactment, was not assented to by Ramotar. According to a Member of Parliament, assent to the Local Government (Amendment) Bill would limit the powers of the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development. Currently, the Minister has powers to control Nieghbourhood Democratic Councils and Municipalities.
In response to the future of the Bill, Dr. Luncheon said, “Just like time has resolved the other three, one assumes that time would resolve the fourth.” He noted the other three Bills have been sent to the Clerk of the National Assembly yesterday. The “languishing” of the four Bills at the Attorney General Chambers attracted many criticisms, particularly from the Speaker of the National Assembly Raphael Trotman and Opposition Members of Parliament. The Opposition was displeased that the Bills were
sent to the Attorney General Chambers for review and laboured on the fact that Parliament needs its own Legal Counsel. This recommendation by the Parliamentary Management Committee was welcomed by the Clerk of the National Assembly, who said the Bills ought not go to the Attorney General Chambers. Local Government Elections was last held in Guyana in 1994. In August, when the Bills were approved, the way was paved for elections. This was after a 12 year period of attempting to reform the process.
Black Bush lover murder trial adjourned The trial of murder accused Satrohan Mannaru, called Andrew, 23, of Mibicuri South, Black Bush Polder, who stands indicted for the murder of his ex-girlfriend Indranie “Cynthia” Basdeo, who was 14 at the time, of Lot 74 Mibicuri South, Black Bush Polder. The killing occurred on Friday October 7, 2011. The trial continued on Wednesday in the Berbice
High Court before Justice Dawn Gregory and a mixed jury. Detective Constable Emanuel Ragnauth who had earlier given his testimony and was being cross examined, was further grilled by Defence Attorney Senior Counsel Bernard De Santos who is appearing in association with Attorney at Law, Pamela De Santos. Also taking the witness
stand was Police Constable Maxton Semple who had earlier given evidence and was further cross examined by Mr. De Santos. The Senior Counsel had also requested that the police produce the station records including the station diary, property book and charge sheet in court. The records were produced in court on Wednesday. However, the case has
been adjourned until Tuesday when the prosecution’s final witness 13-year-old Chandi Narine who is in Suriname is expected to be present. The prosecution’s case is being conducted by State Prosecutor; Attorney at Law Renita Singh. In her opening address, Attorney at Law Singh had stated that on the day in (Continued on page 23)
Essequibo newspaper vendor killed in road accident The wrecked motorcycle
Sixty-one-year-old Bhagwanden Narine, a/k Gurragie, of Lima, Essequibo Coast died at the Suddie Hospital after he was involved in an accident with a motor car, Wednesday morning, on the Sparta Public Road. One of Narine’s legs was amputated due to the severity of his injury when he was rushed to hospital in a critical condition. Narine was the newspaper vendor on the Essequibo Coast. Sohshanmn Sancharran,
20, of Lot 19 Charity, Essequibo Coast, who was driving his car PMM 7326,on the Sparta Public Road when he hit Narine, was apprehend by the police. He reportedly lost control of his vehicle. Police reports are that Sancharran and the newspaper vendor were both proceeding North, along the Sparta Public Road when the driver lost control of his vehicle and collided with the paper vendor, and knocked him off of his motorcycle.
GT&T blames internet disconnection on cut submarine cable Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) has blamed a half-day nationwide disruption in internet service and international calls on its undersea cable, located 277 kilometres off the coast.
The communications company apologized unreservedly to its thousands of customers who awoke yesterday morning to find difficulty in connecting to the internet and making calls overseas because the
marine cable connecting Guyana and neighbouring Suriname had been cut by unexplained circumstances. The company which has a monopoly on international telephone traffic said in a statement that, “customers experienced intermittent failure in all International traffic and the internet during the day. The damage also affected the main fiber optic path out of Guyana.” Government departments, private companies, small businesses and the hundreds of cheap internet cafes which
litter urban areas were forced to remain idle until both services were restored after midday. It was noted also that the prolonged outage was a result of disruptions also detected in the backup system. The GT&T and Suriname’s state-owned Tele Sur, had about three years ago joined in a US$60M upgrade of the underwater cable system. The disruption occurred a day before the 65-member parliament is due to debate a bill breaking the firm’s monopoly and allowing space for other providers like Irishowned Digicel. Prime Minister Samuel Hinds told Kaieteur News yesterday that he would welcome a completion of the amendments to the
Telecommunications Bill and Public Utilities Commission (PUC) Act, while he is prepared to lead the second reading on the matter today. The two Bills are slated for debate and a subsequent vote. The matter has however been deferred on several occasions with the government asking for time to carry out further consultations. Communications giantDigicel which credits itself with bringing down the cost of handsets and slashing by half, local rates in its six years of operations here, has argued that its ability to generate a better profit is stymied by the telecommunications monopoly. The company has especially been prevented from offering international services.
Inbound and outbound calls through Digicel’s network are routed through GT&T, since the company is the only one with an international licence in the telecommunications sector. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gregory Dean told Kaieteur News yesterday that the company is still awaiting a speedy passage of the amendment. The company had lauded a High Court ruling which upheld its challenge against the monopoly on international services in Guyana since 1990. Following the last Caribbean nation’s doing away with international monopoly in June of last year, Guyana is said to be the last country in the region to allow an international monopoly to persist.
Thursday November 07, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Thursday November 07, 2013
T&T authorities revisit case of Guyanese mother deported with sick child Trinidadian authorities are working to resolve the issue that led to a Guyanese woman, Rosinda Nicholson, and her twoyear-old Trinidadian-born son being expelled from the island two weeks ago. The 23-year old Nicholson has appealed to the Trinidad and Tobago authorities to allow her back into the country so her almost three-year-old autistic son can continue the treatment he has been receiving from birth. The woman and her son were sent back to Guyana two Mondays ago, days after they had returned to the twin-island Republic. Nicholson, who admitted that she had been living illegally in the country for almost five years, claimed that her son, who was born in Trinidad, is in need of medical treatment. Trinidadian officials are insisting that the woman was not deported, that it was simply a case of “ Vo l u n t a r y D e p a r t u r e ” since Nicholson was not able to prove her means of support for her stay in Trinidad. Social Activist Mark Benschop who has been speaking to the Trinidad authorities on behalf of Nicholson, told Kaieteur News that he is pleased with the way things are progressing. “I have been in constant contact with the Trinidadian Prime Minister’s Office and the Advisor to the Minister of National S e c u r i t y, ” Benschop said. He informed that Shameer Nabbie, the Advisor on Immigration to Tr i n i d a d ’s M i n i s t e r o f N a t i o n a l S e c u r i t y, h a d assured that an investigation into the matter is underway and that a report from the Twinisland’s Chief Immigration Officer is expected, so that the issue can be settled soon. “He told me that there was nobody at the (Piarco) Airport to prove Miss N i c h o l s o n ’s m e a n s o f support for her and her child. He said that she did not fulfill the entry
Rosinda Nicholson and her son requirements,” Benschop said. He however indicated that during a telephone interview with Nabbie, Nicholson refuted the claim that she had no means of support. Benschop said that Nicholson informed Nabbie that her brother and sister were willing to provide her with support during her stay on the island. “I have advised her to go back,” Benschop said. Nicholson had written to Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bisessar and Health Minister Dr. Fuad Khan for assistance. According to a Trinidad Express article, Nicholson’s sister, Errolyn Pierre, said that her sister arrived in Trinidad five years ago to visit relatives. “Then she met someone and got pregnant. The baby born and the father walked out a year later. She had to raise a sick child on her own. He was being treated at Mt Hope. She went for public assistance and that was when Immigration came in,” she said. Nicholson was offered voluntary departure to return to Guyana to have her passport and other documents renewed, she said. The mother and son returned to Trinidad on October 10. But they were detained at the Piarco International Airport.
“They said she was being deported back to Guyana on the next available flight. They remained in the airport until my nephew collapsed with a seizure. They were taken to Arima District Hospital and transferred to Mt Hope,” Pierre said. Nicholson was allowed t o r e m a i n a t h e r s o n ’s bedside, guarded by an immigration officer. When the little boy was discharged from hospital, he and his mother were immediately taken to the airport and placed on a flight to Guyana. “The child is a Trinidadian and he is sick. They should have at least allowed him to continue his therapy and treatment here. His condition was improving,” Pierre said. Her view was also supported by Benschop, who said that since Nicholson is a CARICOM national, she should have b e e n t r e a t e d b e t t e r, especially since her son was born and was living in Trinidad. “She should have been given some sort of consideration because of her child. She has applied for residency in Trinidad. I hope this issue can be resolved on humanitarian grounds,” he said. According to Benschop, the Trinidadian officials with whom he has been in contact with have been very cooperative and professional in dealing with Nicholson’s case.
Thursday November 07, 2013
Kaieteur News
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THE EMPIRE IS BEGINNING TO CRUMBLE All it took for the Arab Spring to dramatically change the face of the Middle East was for people to say that they have had enough. All it took to expose how fragile were the Middle Eastern dictators’ hold on power was for ordinary people to engage in a process of peaceful protest. These protests triggered a chain reaction that brought down the kingdoms of some of the world’s most entrenched dictators in that part of the world. Small cracks can signal the crumbling of powerful empires. The greatest edifices usually are not as sturdy as they see. The most powerful empires can collapse like a pack of cards once they begin to show signs to deterioration. The resignation of three journalists from the Guyana Times may signal the beginning of the end for one of the more powerful financial empires in the country. It may signal the end of a media giant that got out of hand and which had descended into gutter journalism reporting in order to deflect attention from the stunning revelations made over the past few months about persons connected to the Guyana Times media outfit which formed part of that large financial empire. Instead of dealing with the issues raised by the Kaieteur News, the Guyana Times launched a campaign
of mudslinging aimed at the publisher of this newspaper. The strategy was evident: if you cannot deal with the message, go after the messenger. The revelations made in the Kaieteur News could not be countered and therefore the only resort was to sleaze and character assassination. Guyanese have grown accustomed to such responses which had come to characterize the PPP administration. Those who could deal with the criticisms that were being made about their actions resorted to cussbird politics. It was the same following the many investigative pieces of journalism undertaken by this newspaper. Those who could not answer to these criticisms began to target the messenger. Just like was done on the PPPC platform in the 2011 election campaign, the response to the reports in this newspaper was aimed at maligning the reputation and character of publisher of this newspaper. Glenn Lall is made of sturdier stuff. He is not fazed by such things and he certainly had no intention of dignifying sleaze. Even though he was libeled and slandered day in day out, he did not bother to run to the courts as so many of his critics like to do. He allowed those who enjoyed groveling
in the mud to continue to do so because he knew that in the end it would backfire on them. It is one thing to write sleaze. It is another thing to ask professional persons to read it and to do so publicly. There is a limit to what even the most loyal of journalists will handle. It is one thing to ask them each night to regurgitate government propaganda. It is another thing to ask them to nasty their hands and
reputation by asking them to be a party to a smear campaign. As expected, the journalists reached their tipping point. They reacted decisively. They said they would have no further part of this nastiness because it was against the ethics that they had been taught in their communication studies at the university. There is only so much that people will take and to
ask these young professionals to do reduce their standards of professionalism was asking too much. The example of these three young journalists must be commended. They have taken a brave and courageous step by refusing to be part of gutter journalism and cussbird politics. They have taken a bold stand. Others will follow for sure because all it takes for
empires to crumble is for a few good persons to take a stand on principle, knowing that if they do not stand up for something, they are liable to fall for anything.
Parliament to determine fate of Anti-Money Laundering Bill today The fate of the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2013 will be known today when it is debated in the National Assembly. According to Cabinet S e c r e t a r y, D r. R o g e r Luncheon, the report from the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on the Bill would be presented to the National Assembly. This gives way for the third reading of the Bill. However, uncertainty lingers over the successful passage of the legislation since the Opposition is displeased that Government wrapped up
works of the Committee in the absence of Opposition Members of Parliament. A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has maintained that it needed more time to review the Bill. Dr. Luncheon made it clear that the Bill is dictated by the Caribbean Financial Action task Force (CFATF) and not the APNU. “I have been saying and continue to say that CFATF has made it clear that this amendment to the Bill is CFATF business, promoted, dictated and in accordance to CFATF,” he said. According to Dr. Luncheon, CFATF has pronounced publicly the
dreaded consequences of the non-enactment of the Bill. He believes that the Opposition is contributing to maintaining uncertainty of the Bill. Dr. Luncheon said that for the Opposition parties to feel they could escape the consequences of their actions they are delusional. “The fact is in the worst case scenario the average Guyanese disadvantage in his or her foreign financial dealings: buying, selling, transferring, and remitting all of those translations adversely affected the average Guyanese; it will remind them that indeed it was the Opposition,” he said. According to Dr.
Luncheon, the Government of Guyana and CFATF have been in communication since the enactment of the Bill in 2009. When the Bill was presented to the National Assembly in April 2013 for its passage; the Opposition requested that it be placed in a Parliamentary Special Select Committee for review. This caused Guyana to miss its May 27 deadline. Guyana was subsequently given a new deadline of August 26 for the submission of the amended Act and relevant documents. And, Guyana is expected on November 18 to face the Plenary in The Bahamas.
Auditor General investigates De Bees living in a Town Clerk - Mayor Dem boys seh...
fake kingdom, Ravi Town Clerk says ‘Not so’ de Dev-il seh suh When people wake up yesterday morning, all dem hear was de newspaper man shouting, ‘A revolution has begun within de Kingdom’. Dem people didn’t sure what he was talking bout till dem see de newspaper. People was telling Bobby that dem don’t want wuk wid he no more, that dem wouldn’t sell dem soul like Nigel, de Short Willy. Three woman start rocking de kingdom that Jagdeo and Bobby own. And dem was quick fuh tell de whole world that Bobby and Daniel lie like when duck squirting. Bobby ain’t know wha facing he. He short of people right away and now people ain’t fussy fuh join he staff because he like put words in people mouth. Dem boys seh that since that start, Ravi de Dev-il forget fuh tek he tablets. He sit in de meeting and he was speechless. When Jagdeo and Bobby hire he, was fuh he tek control over de kingdom that own de TV de radio and de Hard Times. He was sleepy because he nearly overdose when Daniel believe that from he den he could talk anyhow to anybody. He stand up pun a desk and at de top of he voice he holler, “Who else want fuh go can go now or forever hold dem peace.” Ravi hold he belly, then he fall in a coma. Bobby de doctor, realizing that de man could dead, pack tablet in he mouth and ask he, in case he pass way, fuh talk wha more you know bout de Waterfalls boss man. That is how he nearly dead. He mouth full and he try fuh talk de li’l wha he know. Ravi de Dev-il tell dem that if y’aall know wha Glenn Lall man know bout ah yuh, y’aall would run out of dis fake kingdom and start begging de Creator to enter His real Kingdom wheh dem ain’t got no Bees like Bharrat, Bobby, Brazzy, Brian, Boyah, plus Irfaat and Rob Earth.
Town Clerk Ag, Carol Ryan-Sooba has debunked allegations that she is currently under investigation by representatives of the Auditor General’s office for an alleged misuse of Council funds. Addressing the media, in the presence of senior officers of the council yesterday, Sooba said that the auditors have been investigating the council for the past three weeks specifically in relations to a Japanese US $75,000 fund, which has been an issue since 2009. “Mayor Greene had no authority to be a signatory to that fund; I do not wish to disclose any further information on that since investigations are ongoing but that’s the reason why they are here.” “The Mayor informed Kaieteur News that the auditors were here to investigate the Town Clerk (Ag) for a misuse of council
monies to build toilets at my residence that of which I’m renting… A toilet facility is the most basic comfort that employees should have.” On Tuesday a Kaieteur News article detailed the Town Clerk (Ag) reportedly used Council funds to build among other things, a guard hut and sanitary facilities at her Duncan Street rental. According to the article the issue was discovered when records showed that the Town Clerk reportedly instructed the City Treasurer to issue the money and the Finance Officer signed it off. However, while the Mayor did not contend that the auditors were investigating the badly managed Japanese fund, he stood by the claim that the Town Clerk is also under investigation for alleged misappropriation of council’s money. During the press conference, Sooba also said that Mayor Green has paid the council in excess of $10
million, which represented outstanding rates and taxes on his wife’s property, Jelante’s Pharmacy. “I did thank the Mayor for allowing good sense to prevail and for setting an example for his colleagues in other circles to pay…. The public relations officer released inaccurate information to the public, by saying that the city council owes Christopher Ram and Kaieteur News monies. “I wish to notify the public that there is no compromise or set off for rates and taxes… I am not aware that this council owes those two persons or agencies and the city treasurer has not advised me so we have no such information in our possession.” But M&CC Public Relations Officer, Royston King, maintained that the council owes several news entities including Kaieteur News, millions of dollars for the placement of
Town Clerk (Ag) Carol Sooba advertisements. “I am the officer in charge of placing ads and I am telling you this …The City Treasurer has not denied that the council owes Kaieteur News and other sections of the media money, he simply said that he is looking into the issue… “These media outlets have been very kind to us, the council has to be ethical and fair in its dealing with stakeholders including the media, businesses and allied corporations.”
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Thursday November 07, 2013
High energy costs responsible for slow growth in sector, says Finance Minister “The high cost of energy is responsible for Guyana’s ailing manufacturing sector which continues to be plagued by slow growth”, says Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh. However, the National Competitiveness Strategy (NCS) will continue in its attempt to help the sector, he added. The NCS outlines the responsibilities of the government and the private sector in delivering enhanced and action-oriented approaches that promote national competitiveness and greater economic growth. However, a point to note is that despite reports of the manufacturing sector being plagued by slow growth, which was not denied by the Finance Minister, in the 2012 Budget, he reported that the manufacturing division grew by 6.8 percent. It grew by 2.4 percent, in 2013. However, in light of these figures, members of the Opposition have maintained that the division seems to be lost in an “abyss of stagnation.” Elaborating on this position was Treasurer of The Alliance For Change (AFC), Dominic Gaskin, in his party’s published column. Gaskin said, “Guy Expo is disturbingly uninspiring as the familiar lament about the difficulty of finding locallyproduced goods at this event rings louder every year, and at some point it must be acknowledged that we simply
do not have much to offer in terms of locally-manufactured products.” He added that after 21 years in charge, the government must shoulder the blame for the current state of the sector. However, Dr. Singh said that the division is experiencing such a difficulty at this point because its biggest challenge is the cost of energy and this continues to twist the arm of the sector. This factor, he said, also brings to mind the relevance of the Amaila Falls Hydro Project and the need for a cheaper source of energy. Gaskin, in his article, however, stressed how imperative it is for the sake of Guyana’s long-term economic well-being, that Guyana increases its exports relative to its imports. Attempting to achieve this by simply exporting more gold, bauxite and rice is a demonstration of the government’s lack of resolve when it comes to the, much chanted about, diversification of our economy. The AFC treasurer then highlighted the seven-yearold National Competitiveness Strategy (NCS) which could have been the solution. “Despite its $1.8 billion price tag,” Gaskin said that the NCS has so far failed to make a positive impact on the sector. He said that the IDBfunded programme which is scheduled to end next year, “will no doubt suffer the same fate as our much revered, but
Ashni Singh
Carl Greenidge
Dominic Gaskin
unused, National Development Strategy.” However the Minister of Finance finds it highly repulsive that Gaskin would utter such a statement. The Minister contended that the NCS is in the course of being implemented and that it should be given a chance to fulfill its purpose. He said that despite the beliefs held by some members of the Joint Opposition, he wished to remind them that the NCS will always remain a product of the excellent partnership between government and other stakeholders including the private sector. Dr. Singh also added that the NCS policy remains highly relevant to the long term preservation and upkeep of our economy. However, Carl Greenidge,
the financial point man of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), questioned the so- called “relevance” of the NCS which seeks to improve the country’s ability to be competitive on the world market. Firstly, Greenidge made reference to two aspects of the NCS: The Sugar Action Plan (SAP) which was launched in 2006 and The GuySuCo’s Strategic Plan (GSP) launched in 1998 which aimed to make Guyana a leading competitor with its sugar exports on the world market and no longer heavily dependent on preferential markets.
“First we sought through the NCS to improve our ability to compete on the world market, but now, we have an even bigger problemproduction.” Greenidge said that measures have to be put in place to improve GuySuCo as it continues to fail miserably. He noted too that the government has been working with the World Bank and other agencies on programmes focused on increasing competitiveness but our sectors still remain uncompetitive in certain areas. He said that the NCS is not helping sugar because “Politics and discrimination
Guyanese convict arrested after jailbreak in Suriname By Ivan Cairo Paramaribo - A Guyanese national sentenced to a longterm jail sentence in Suriname broke out of a local police station Tuesday, authorities here confirmed. Bhojnarine Persaud alias “Fine Boy’ was among three criminals who escaped from the Santodorp police lockups after they cut the iron bars in their cell. Just recently, Persaud was sentenced to a 12-year jail term for sea piracy in Surinamese waters. According to a police bulletin around 20.15 pm Tuesday evening police officers noticed that three inmates, including Persaud, were not in their holding cells and raised an alarm. A subsequent search in the area proved futile since the culprits had made good their escape.
Bhojnarine Persaud alias “Fine Boy’ By press time yesterday, the police confirmed that Persaud and convicted thief Rafael Kromohardjo had been arrested. The third escapee is still at large. He was charged
with arson and was awaiting sentencing when he dashed out of prison Tuesday evening. Authorities also confirmed yesterday, that earlier that day Suriname’s most wanted fugitive and convicted murder, Earl “Kabouter” Morgenstond, was arrested by officers of the Arrest Squad. Acting on a tip from society he was nabbed at his family home in the district of Wanica. Morgenstond was sentenced to 14 years in prison for killing a 65-year-old man when he snatched the victim’s gold chain in a bar. He escaped on April 29 earlier this year during a visit to the doctor. On Monday the Suriname Police Force announced a new policy in which tips from society which lead to the arrest of fugitives will be awarded with 5000 Surinamese dollars (US$ 1500).
cloak the industry, thereby holding back the progress of the state-owned company.” He added that the US$200 million invested in the Skeldon Factory, which was also a suggestion of the NCS, turned out to be a waste of time as the complex to date is unable to serve its purpose (boosting the sugar industry). Greenidge then asked, “How can the NCS still be referred to as relevant to our country’s economic growth when one simply considers the “Skeldon-disaster?” While the former finance minister does not negate the fact that the cost of energy has affected the sector, he stated that it has been a problem since 1998 when at that time there was also a crisis. Greenidge said that the growth of the manufacturing sector growth is impeded by the high cost of importing and exporting. He noted that the cost to import materials compounded by the multiple custom forms that have to be filled out, and the bribes that have to be paid among other things, leave manufacturing companies less productive by the end of that long process and that, he said, is something the government should look at.
AFC gives Government ultimatum As tension surrounds the controversial Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill (AML/CFT), Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Khemraj Ramjattan, has said that his party is prepared to go head to head with the government today. He added that it will not be giving its support unless certain conditions are effected sooner rather than later. The anti-money laundering Bill that has caused the government and the Parliamentary opposition to be gridlocked over its passage into Law will be up for debate today. Ramjattan said, “We will not support that Bill unless the Public Procurement Commission is established and we will not shift with regard to this position.” The Attorney at Law has also indicated that his party will be calling for the
Parliamentary Select Committee to be restarted for the purposes of getting a more perfect AML/CFT Bill. “We also want the work to be resumed so that stakeholders such as the revered economist, Dr. Clive Thomas can make his submissions before the committee.” Ramjattan says that he feels that the Procurement Commission is necessary as it will serve as an internal scrutinizer of matters relating to money laundering and other processes that can create wealth through corruption. This, he said, will serve to excellently complement the inspection done by outside powers. “No longer shall we allow our constitutional rights to be violated,” the AFC leader emphatically expressed. More importantly, Ramjattan is saying that his party will not give its support to the Bill unless certain
Khemraj Ramjattan conditions are in place by next week. He said, “By next week we want the government to firstly, send the names of its nominees to the Public Accounts Committee, then for the names to be sent back to Parliament and be given twothird of the majority support, then have these five persons sworn in by the President and then we want a financial paper approving that the five commissioners get monies to do its work.” Ramjattan said that the Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, and his team can go to the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) and “tell them to bear with us as we are establishing a much needed Procurement Commission as well as fine tuning the AML Bill.”
Thursday November 07, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 11
Procurement Act GPL’s Loss Reduction amendments for Manager asked to resign - several city businesses Parliament today caught stealing electricity - Cabinet wants to maintain role in procurement
Amendments to the Procurement Act would be read for the first time in the National Assembly today. The intention is to have Cabinet maintain its role in public procurement even with the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission. This is according to Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon during his postCabinet press briefing yesterday at the Office of the President. The odds of the amendments being approved in the National Assembly by the joint Opposition, who have a one-seat majority, are slim. And, that may essentially impact the passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism amendment (AML/ CFT) Bill 2013. The Alliance For Change (AFC) said it would approve the passage of the AML/CFT amendments once Government establishes the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) without amending the Procurement Act. The AFC supports the Procurement Act as it is since the establishment of the Commission would eliminate Cabinet’s no-objection role in the award of contracts. Dr. Luncheon finds the linkage between the Commission and the AML/ CFT by the AFC, absurd. “It was probably the 2001 Constitutional amendment which provided for the creation of the PPC…Unfortunately the PPC has not been established…However, I doubt whether anyone here would argue that the consequences over the years since 2001 to 2013 have been so dire that the linkage of its
creation with the enactment of AML Bill is reasonable and make sense,” he said. While, tasking persons to look dispassionately at the impact of the failure to establish the PPC, Dr. Luncheon said the consequences of the non-passage of the legislation are already being felt, particularly in the public sector. However, Leader of the Opposition, David Granger recently said that the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission is not a concern that the APNU shares at this time, more so with respect to tying it with the passing of the AntiMoney Laundering Legislation. This was met with serious objections by the Guyana Trade Union Congress. According to Dr. Luncheon, Government will be identifying its nominees for the parliamentary consideration to sit on the Commission subsequent to the enactment of the amendments. He said Government expects that APNU would support the measure.
A senior management official of the state-owned power company was asked to resign yesterday. He was given an option by his Board of Directors. Divisional Director of Loss Reduction, Kumar Sharma, was told by a board member that he either resign or have his contract terminated, officials of the Guyana Power and Light Inc. confirmed yesterday. Sharma was in charge of the department that tracks electricity thefts for GPL and has been involved in raids overtime to especially large businesses suspected to be involved in these. GPL insiders yesterday said that they are not buying the story that Sharma was being let go because of nonperformance – the official reason given. Rather they link his “forced” resignation to his work in spearheading raids on especially businesses. Recently, raids were carried out on a popular Sheriff Street sub-sandwich outlet, a Mahaica gas station, a Middle Street shopping plaza and shingle-making woodworking company in Yarrowkabra, Soesdyke/
Linden Highway. The businesses were reportedly all found stealing and according to GPL’s arrangements, were made to sign agreements to repay the millions of dollars that they were being backbilled for. The Sheriff Street sandwich parlour is closely linked to a disgraced New York-based Guyanese real estate mogul facing possible jail in the US for fraud. The business was reportedly assessed up to $9M. On Friday, Kaieteur News was told, GPL’s Board members met with Prime Minister Sam Hinds. The issue of Sharma and his role as head of the Loss Reduction unit was said to have been a main item on the agenda. It was yesterday that the Board of Directors, headed by Chairman, Winston Brassington, was said to have taken a decision to end Sharma’s contract. The task, according to GPL officials, was left to board member, Mahender Sharma, who also happens to be a cousin of the Loss Reduction Manager. The official was reportedly told by his cousin that the Board had taken a decision to end his contract. However, he
GPL’s Chairman, Winston Brassington
RESIGNED: Kumar Sharma was given an option to resign. Chairman of GPL, Winston Brassington, said he was in a meeting and not available to comment on the issue. Chief Executive Officer, Bharat Dindyal, said that he had no knowledge of Sharma’s contract being terminated, but pointed out that a contract worker can be terminated by the board. Kaieteur News was unable to contact Kumar Sharma. The issue of electricity theft has been a major one for GPL with almost 15 per cent of the electricity produced believed stolen via bypass wires or meter tampering. This translates to hundreds of millions of dollars annually in losses for GPL. The power company,
GPL Board Member, Mahender Sharma however, has admitted that the quantity of electricity stolen by business customers is far in excess of the domestic ones. GPL has been battling corruption with especially its field technicians who have reportedly been taking monies for turning a blind eye to electricity thefts. Several crews have been sent home, GPL said yesterday.
Page 12
Kaieteur News
Thursday November 07, 2013
== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==
A democracy will slip perceptibly into and dwell comfortably in an authoritarian edifice if there are no early endeavours by civil society and the opposition organizations to stem the ruling elite’s descent into unpopular policies. Both APNU and the AFC can perambulate up and down the square miles of Guyana preaching about PPP dictatorship and denouncing naked power, but the
Guyanese people know that they have given the PPP Government a type of latitude that modern politics does not allow for in any part of the world. What emerges out of this scenario is an immensely self-confident government. There is nothing complex in trying to fathom this kind of political evolution. When the PPP moved from one evil to another and the road was made clearer for more egregious travel, the PPP took
on an aura of invincibility. It began with Mr. Robert Corbin when he was leader of the opposition. Two sacred pillars of PNC politics Mr. Corbin allowed the PPP to dismantle. Had either Corbin or the PNC as a collective confronted the Government, history the past twelve years would have been complete. The first was the virtual theft of the Guyana Labour Union from the PNC. It is not that there was an
implosion in the GLU that the PNC could not have stopped. It is not that the GLU rose up against the PNC and said it wanted another union. Mr. Carvil Duncan switched sides and began to move the GLU into the arms of the PPP. The PNC did not lift a finger. The rest is an indictment on Mr. Corbin’s credibility as a politician. The second decapitation was the real politic fight that the PPP carried to the Public Service Union. If the PNC had any mass support it lay within the large arena of the public service. The PPP degutted the union. By the time Corbin was exposed as an unhistorical figure, by the time Team Alexander failed to oust him, the PPP’s authoritarian train was out of control. What the PPP did under Jagdeo was to first undermine the PNC as an organization then set about to establish totalitarian control of Guyana. So easy and smooth were the travels on the road to dictatorship that the PPP took macabre, bizarre and horribly sickening excesses in consolidating power. The PPP just felt it had no opposition. One nasty example was the largest indication that the PPP was basking in chauvinistic glory. In no other Caribbean country, you can
ask public servants to take a polygraph and if they fail it automatic dismissal results. After the 2011 elections, the national discourse centered on how the PPP can behave as if it won the election. Even the US Ambassador said last week that a minority government has to negotiate. Research would show that in any county with an executive presidency, the constitution invests the legislature with legal power and in practical terms that power will be exercised if there is a split between the Executive and the legislature. It has not happened in Guyana because the PPP went so far with its totalitarian omnipotence under Mr. Jagdeo that Jagdeo’s successor has inherited the aura of invincibility. And it will not stop even if a no-confidence is secured in the Parliament by the combined action of the AFC and APNU. This columnist has opined more than three times on this page that the PPP will not accept a no-confidence motion. They will put up the anticipated argument to be followed by the usual legal resort. First, it will argue that the motion was in violation of House rules therefore was invalid. Secondly, it will ask the court
Frederick Kissoon to make an interpretation. We will only have general elections in Guyana if and when the PPP decides. Until the PPP makes up its mind, the autocratic trends will continue. It is doubtful that the PPP will negotiate on any policy that the opposition finds antithetical to freedom, rights, justice and democracy. The PPP will not and cannot. It has gone so far down the trail of dictatorship and its psychology of invincibility prevents it from being rational and logical. If the PPP is to retreat on its tyranny of the minority, if the PPP is to come to its senses, it will only happen when the two opposition parties decide that they had enough of the exhaustive politics of parliamentary debates. It will only happen when the supporters of APNU and AFC tell them that they are behaving like beggars in front of a driver who has parked his car right on top of their bridge thereby imprisoning them in their own yard.
Thursday November 07, 2013
Kaieteur News
Hogg Street businessman’s son found dead After being missing for more than 48 hours, the son of an Albouystown lumber yard dealer was discovered at the break of dawn yesterday. He was last seen during the Diwali celebration on Monday. The dead man was identified as 36 yearold father of two, Wasir Mohamed, of lot ‘C’ Hogg Street, Albouystown. According to an eyewitness, Mohamed was last seen Monday night having a few beers with some of the employees of the lumber yard. “He been drinking the night and it get late so he go upstairs and lock up in the room since the Monday night and that was the last we see him,” the eyewitness said. It was not until yesterday morning when workers realised that employees of the lumber yard had not seen Mohamed during the entire of Tuesday while his door remained closed. “We call out fuh Toro (Mohamed) a couple of times and we didn’t get no answer suh we decide fuh break down the door and then we see he lay down on the bed with blood coming through his nose,” the source said. Mohamed’s Father, Rafeeq Mohamed, the proprietor of the Rafeeq Mohamed’s Lumber Yard, said that he was not at his place of business when his son’s body was discovered. “I was home when the manager contacted me and tell me that ‘Toro’ lock up in he room and he ain’t answering suh meh tell dem break down the door and see what going on,”
DEAD: Wazir Mohammed Mohammed said. A few minutes after, Mohammed was briefed with the horrid news that his son’s partly decomposed body was found in his room. The still grief stricken Father admitted to Kaieteur News that his son was a grave alcoholic that would usually resort to his apartment located on the grounds of the lumber yard to revive. The lumber yard dealer believes that his son might have died of Hypertension. The body of Mohamed is currently at the Lyken’s funeral parlour awaiting post mortem which is scheduled to be done tomorrow. Mohammed leaves to mourn his wife and two children.
Woman placed on $25,000 bail for hiding milk under skirt A renowned ‘shoplifter’ was yesterday brought before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to face a simple larceny charge for stealing a tin of powdered milk from a city supermarket. 59-year-old Brenda Beaton of 6-7 Victoria Road, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on November 2, at Water Street, she stole one tin of
Milex Powdered Milk valued at $5,452, property of Bounty Supermarket. Police Prosecutor Sergeant Ramsahoye Rambajue in open court stated that on the said date, at about 14:10hrs the defendant, who is a renowned shoplifter, went into the supermarket and stole the milk powder which she subsequently hid under her skirt. The court heard that as
Beaton was exiting the premises, a security guard confronted her and the item subsequently fell from under her skirt. A report was thereafter made to the police which led to the defendant being arrested and charged. The Prosecution offered no objection to bail and Magistrate Azore thereafter placed Beaton on $25,000 bail .She is expected to return to Court on November 20.
IDB/Japanese-funded... From page 19 whoever shows interest, we just work along with the group,” she added. While Regions Two, Three and Four have over 48 shade-houses, the project in Regions Five and Six are gaining steam. S. Megnauth of Bath Settlement, Seetayah added, has a shade house going up “and she has [planted] some pak- choi.” Mitford Ward, another resident of Berbice, in Glasgow Housing Scheme, already has his shade- house erected and is installing his boxes, gearing up for planting using hydroponics. “Almost anything can be grown, tomatoes, leafy crops, peppers, cucumbers,” the Consultant told Kaieteur News yesterday. The project provides fertilizers; shade- house plastic for the 18x24 structure and
seedlings for the first crop “and we also give technical support throughout the fouryear life of the project. We also support natural production like traditional way of farming.”
Hydroponics, she added, is healthier and more organic and “we don't use pesticides. To control pests, we use homemade stuff like garlic and pepper and neem to make our own pesticides.
Page 21
Scouts celebrate 104th anniversary The Scout Association of Guyana (SAG) over the weekend held a series of activities in observance of its 104th anniversary. This year the association honoured long-serving members and those who have made sterling contributions to the growth and development of scouting in Guyana and the world. Speaking at a ceremony held at SAG Headquarters in Woolford Avenue on Saturday, Chief Scout, Ramsay Ali, told hundreds of scouts gathered for the annual anniversary camp, rally and games that their
commitment and contribution to the association have played a major role in its expansion across the country. He reminded them that scouting was not only about learning special skills and outdoor survival techniques but adapting a different mindset and way of life. The association honoured more than 19 scouts for their service and contribution to scouting in Guyana, and in the case of SAG’s Chief Commissioner, Zaida Joaquin, the world. Joaquin recently became a committee member on the Inter American Scout Committee
– World Scout Bureau – Inter American Region. Recognition and awards were given for good service, meritorious service, long service and meritorious action. The more than 300 scouts who gathered at SAG headquarters over the weekend took part in a rally through the streets of Georgetown on Saturday then competed with each other in a series of games. The association also held its annual ‘BBQ and Lime’ where members of the public took full advantage of the tasty treats while being entertained by the games.
Tests confirm NWD sweets contained cocaine Tests carried out on a quantity of local sweets seized from a White Water, North West District shop have confirmed that they were laced with cocaine. Police had confiscated the sweets after children, whose ages range from three to 12, came down with vomiting and diarrhea when they ate it. They were treated at the Mabaruma Hospital. Police in a press statement yesterday said, “A number of the sweets that were seized by the police from a vendor and children at White Water, NWD, on Sunday November 03, 2013, following reports
that three children who had eaten the sweets had shown unusual reactions, have tested positive for the presence of cocaine.” According to a police source, 88 of the sweets tested positive for the highly addictive drug, from which dealers make billions of dollars. The sweets were wrapped in paper that bore the brand of a popular local sweet manufacturer. Police have already taken a statement from the shopkeeper who claimed that he had purchased the sweets in a sealed packet from another distributor.
They will now have to trace the path of the sweets to determine who might be responsible for the presence of the drug in the sweets. “We will have to trace the origin of the sweets. They were in Beharry wraps but it does not necessarily mean that it was manufactured by them; we have to investigate,” a senior police source told Kaieteur News. “This is a serious thing. I don’t think that the vendor will know that cocaine was inside and sell it for a mere $20 to children. Cocaine is a very expensive drug,” the source said.
Page 22
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Kaieteur News
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Urgently upholsters, joiners, spray painters ( Furniture) handyman Contact S. Khan: 225-6810
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We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 ONE MITSUBISHI FUSO CANTER (ENCLOSED) PLEASE: CALL 619-9000 1 AE100 Carolla: Alarm, AC, mags & crystal lights, HID $800,000- 1 AT170 EFI fully powered: mags & CD $580,000 – Tel:619-1047 Toyota RAV 4, PMM 1072 with body kit. Price $3.4M negotiable - Call:610-1230; 673-5828 Smart Choice Auto: Premio, Allion, IST, Runx, FielderCall:652-3820/665-4529 1 Unregistered Toyota Tundra, Fully accessorized with crash bar, step, cd player & alarm, price:$2.8M - Tel: 601-0706; 225-0024 First Class Auto: Premio, Axio, Passo, Runx, Allex, IST, Fielder, Raum – Call:609-8188; 602-6307
Worker wanted for restaurant and roti shop in Trinidad; accommodation provided. For more information contact - 0011866-760-1426.
Urgently needed land to buy - Tel:675-7292; 2185591.
VEHICLE FOR SALE 2007 Toyota BB, fully loaded, unregistered special price $2.350M – 617-2891
PENPAL Businessman in Trinidad seeks Guyanese woman for friendship & marriage between ages 30-40; email:ramphal mahadeo@ live.com – Tel:0011-868-7243155; 0011-868-4681075
1 Live in experienced waitress (18-25 years) & 1 experienced cook ( Salary $50,000 monthly) - Call:6987172
Need a friend for serious relationship or marriage, call Brian: 695-8528
Minibus drivers wanted #42 Route. Please Call:218-0761( Between 9:00am-5:00pm) (Mon-Fri)
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Thursday November 07, 2013
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New RX8 (Red) rotary 7 speed engine, new rims, tires, music kickers, lambo doors Tel: 680-2095 One Toyota RZ mini-bus BJJ series – Call:678-5887
FOR SALE
Creole birds, chicks, eggs @ Lot 1 L’ Oratoire Canal No.1 WBD – Tel:655-1284 VACANCY Vacancy exists @ Survival Shopping Complex; 173 Sheriff St - For cashiers & drivers. Apply with written application & passport photograph Contact: 227-5288-89 Vacancy exists @ Survival Shopping Complex; 173 Sheriff St - For IT Technician. Apply with written application & passport photograph & CV - Contact: 227-5288-89 Pump Attendant at Shell Service Station Providence, E.B.D. Must be able to work shift (5am-3pm & 3pm12pm)- Call:265-7305 Canter Drivers & Porters from East Coast & EBD, Male Security Guards for Land of Canaan location. 266 4427 2 Female sale Clerks must be between18-25. Tel:679-9449; 231-3059. People’s Choice Café Vacancy exists for 1 experienced Accountant & Accounts clerk with 5 years experience. Apply @ Alabamba Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling.
Generators, welders, diesel yanmar, low noise key start 10,000 watts - $1.2M Tel:6128879; 678-2918 - Ramroop Furniture Store. Lincoln welder gas 220 AMPs, Jack Hammer Bosh, Drill Press. Tel:612-8879; 6782918 - Ramroop Furniture Store, Lombard St Georgetown. Ladies boutique closing down have dresses, tops, etc for sale, made in USA. Going cheap! – Tel:624-7333 Pure breed pit-bull 5 months fully vaccinated and dewormed, also pure 7 weeks pit-bull pups – Contact: 6565412; 234-1460; 661-4112.
Potting Soil and quality cow mould- Call: 656-1326/ 678-0058 Tundra ‘Woman Driven’ Tel:627-1983 Large vacuum cleaner wet & dry (for cleaning or car wash), stereo sets& speakers. Tel:227-8519 One 8000 Ford tractor & one Ford 450 2005 Towing truck – Call: 689-1864 (Guru) / 6945599 (Floyd). Spare for washing machine, microwaves,fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call:225-9032,647-2943 Hifi Sound Connection: Car Audio, Pro Audio, complete sound system generator.Call:610-1230/673-5828
EDUCATIONAL CXC/CAPE classes for students and adults. Highly qualified teachers & CXC examiners - Call: 683-3887 Institute Academic Supremacy; East Street, 4 building before Balwant Singh Hospital – Forms 1-5, CXC, adults/classes - Call: 226-8468, 690-5008 Enrol today @ Nalini’s School of Cosmetology. Classes starting January 2014. Full course only $80,000 - Call: 614-6655; 2266705 Nehemiah Comprehensive School; evening classes: Integrated Science, Human and Social Biology - Call: 226-0847 for more details.
Generators, welding sets, compressors, power washers, drill - migrating, must see! - Tel:227-8519 2 white female and 1 brown male fluffy dogs - contact: 699-6006 Clearance Sale: greenheart lumber, slabs, strips & firewood. Toolsie Persaud Ltd, Lombard St. Georgetown - Tel: 226-4920; 226-4071-5
TOUR Suriname pre-Christmas trip returned tour etc. Nov 28th - Dec 1st – Tel:644-0185; 6392663; 665-5171; 227-8290 (Continued on page 23)
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Kaieteur News
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$48.5M for printing High Court Rules, Law Revision Government yesterday said that Cabinet has given its no objection to a $48.5M project which would facilitate the printing of the High Court Rules and the Law Revision (Law Reports). This announcement came from Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon at his weekly press briefing. According to Dr Luncheon, Cabinet met on Tuesday and voted for the project. It was Justice Claudette Singh, the Coordinator of the Modernization of the Justice Administration System project, who had explained that the legal fraternity is well aware that the Law Report for 1976 was printed in 1996, some 20 years later. She said that the last official law revision was done in 1977. There were delays of up to seven years for a case to be completed from the time it was filed, taking into consideration the delays in handing down decisions. The law reports from 1977 to 2007 are now in print form. Justice Singh added that they have also printed an index to these reports (19302007) and it is available now. In addition to that, Justice Singh noted that the reports are also now digitized. The Law Reports was compiled and edited for the years 1977 to 2007 as one aspect of the Modernisation of the Justice Administration System project. The MJAS Project is funded by the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) by way of a loan to the Government of Guyana (GoG) and is implemented by the Ministry of Legal Affairs. The MJAS programme was designed as a hybrid facility comprising a policybased component supported by a policy based loan of US$15M. A further investment and technical support component supported by an investment loan of US$10M was given. The investment component was intended to help implement the policy reform programme and also support initial capacity building activities in the justice sector institutions. Under that same programme several other justice projects were realized. Fast track to present; Justice Singh said that through the project the system is now in a position to inform that the most critical of the concerns have been dealt with. Justice Singh added that the case backlog has been significantly reduced and steps are in train not only to reduce it further, but to eliminate it completely. Justice Singh added that through the project several
courts and courtrooms have been refurbished, the Director of Public Prosecutors Chambers were renovated and furnished. According to Singh the Chambers now have 15 offices for prosecutors. Both state and police prosecutors were trained and according to the DPP her success rate in prosecutions moved to 30 per cent in 2010 and almost 50 percent in 2011. Justice Singh said,
“Completing the project and achieving the success was no easy task,” but they nevertheless continued. Under the project, the Court of Appeal, the Chief Justice Court and the Commercial Courts will be installed with voice recognition systems so that there would be no need for the respective judges to write notes in longhand. Further, Justice Singh
expounded on the fact that through the project a Law Revision Unit was established to facilitate the ongoing revision of the laws. At present, the laws of Guyana are updated up to December 31, 2010 which according to Singh, is a significant achievement. High Court judges were also given a laptop computer, which is expected to be a tool to help them in giving decisions.
Black Bush lover murder trial... From page 6 question the girl had made arrangements with her sister and brother in law to attend school sports at the Mibicuri school ground. While at the event, the relatives noticed the accused grab the deceased. It was during that time she allegedly got stabbed since shortly after they observed Mannaru with a knife in his hand and the deceased bleeding. The girl was rushed to the New Amsterdam hospital where she was pronounced
dead on arrival. The prosecution has called a number of witnesses including Detective Assistant Superintendent of Police Gary Mc Alister; Pathologist Dr. Vivekanand Bridgemohan who gave the cause of death as puncture to the heart and lung and hemorrhage; father of the deceased Mahase Basdeo; her mother Gomattie Latchman; Detective Corporal Andrew Ward; Police Constable Maxton Semple; and her sister
Tulseidai Basdeo; as well as her brother in law Arnold Reddy. Indranie Basdeo, of Mibicuri South, Black Bush Polder was allegedly brutally murdered by her ex-boyfriend at the Mibicuri School Ground, where the school was hosting school sports. She was fatally stabbed under her left breast. The girl was an ex student of the school. The caution statement which was allegedly given by the accused was also admitted into evidence.
(From page 22)
FOR RENT Furnished short term apartments - Tel: 687-3017 Semi furnished 4 bedrooms house, available for rental starting from January 1st , 2014 – Tel:611-5110 1 Barber, hairdresser, $5,000 weekly cosmetology course. Everything 6 month cheap. Telephone:602-7960 Coolers and Call:657-0424
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Executive property in gated community at Houston D’ Aguiar ’s Park, fully furnished. Tel:609-2876 or 623-0425 SALON Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad. Call: 660-5257, 647-1773 Celebrity Look Beauty Salon: hair and nail stations to rent. Hair - $6,500 and nail - $4,000. Contact Leoita: 602-2337
SERVICES Professional and affordable landscaping and tree trimming services. Budram’s Landscaping ServicesCall:656-1326/678-0058 Repairs, sales & spares air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool, call:2259032,647-2943 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer call:2310655,683-8734 Omar Repairs to Fridge, Freezer, AC, Washers, Stoves: Call 683-1312,627-3206 (Nick) HOUSE PLAN DRAFTING FOR ONLY $10,000CALL:694-9843/227-2766 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call:225-6496,6626045,223-8115 Christmas cleaning! Power washing for residential & commercial properties - Call: 648-1544
TO LET Self contained rooms in Prashad Nagar; contact: 227-2993 One Furnished Two bedrooms bottom flat @ Uitvlugt - Contact: 680-4990
PROPERTY FOR SALE Property for sale- Call:6275416
Harmony Inn: Apartments fully furnished, airconditioned apartments: As low as $5000 per night- Call: 668-0306/602-8769/ 694-7817
VERSAILLES: Furnished 5 bedrooms, self-contained rooms, modern facilities, generator, beautiful landscape, gated community- Call:592-6248704/592-684-9203
Fully furnished short term apartments, Eccles call: 679-7139
111 Collinswood Avenue, Nandy Park, EBD Contact:616-9775;687-0835
Fully furnished Vacation home with all amenities- Call during working hours- 227-1218
Prime Property for sale Light Street, Alberttown Contact: 639-3619, 619-7299
One bedroom unfurnished apartment, Grove New Housing Scheme, EBD - $35,000 Call: 642-1956After 6PM
Prime 2-storey concrete building 80x23, 6 bedrooms, 2 master bedrooms @ Leonora next to Primary School - call: 652-0709, 268-3572
Fully secured concrete bond 87x31ft (private compound) @ Mc Doom public road back of Police OutpostCall:233-0570 Business spot, Cummings St, Alberttown – Tel:223-9725 Kitty - $65,000 & $120,000, Kingston – US900, Atlanic Gardens – US900, Providence – US1300. Call Diana – 227-2256; 626-9382
29 Silver City, Wismar Linden: 3 bedrooms property - Tel: 685-2005; 682-9930 One - two storey 3 bedrooms house @ Montrose ECD, Price negotiable. Serious enquiries only! - Tel: 619-6005 Diamond - $6.2M, Alberttown - $35M, Kitty - $30M, AA Eccles - $60M - Call Diana: 227-2256; 626-9382
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Thursday November 07, 2013
Special prosecutor appointed for Hampshire robbery/murder A special prosecutor has been appointed for the preliminary inquiry of murder against brothers, Ramnarine Jagmohan, 28, of Belvedere Squatting Area, Corentyne, a farmer, and Neshan Jagmohan, 23, a cane harvester and a father of four of Hampshire Squatting Area. The men are accused of murdering businessman Davindra Deodat, 34, called ‘Dave’, of Hampshire Squatting Area, Corentyne on October 7, last. Attorney at law Mursaline Bacchus made his appearance on Tuesday for the prosecution, before Magistrate Rabindranath Singh at the Albion Magistrate’s Court armed with his fiat from the Director of Public Prosecution. The men are being represented by attorney at law Charrandass Persaud who also made an appearance on Tuesday. According to the prosecution the men, while in the company of others, and armed with guns and cutlasses, murdered Deodat at Hampshire Squatting Area, Corentyne. Deodat, the owner of the Cool Running’s Trucking Service, was chopped and
shot dead at around 18:30 hrs on Monday October 7 after a group of masked men stormed the grocery shop which he and his wife, Mala, 29, operated. The men allegedly chopped Deodat’s wife in the head and shot her father, Rafeek Abdul, 47, in the left arm. During the murder robbery two of the three bandits were allegedly unmasked, allowing the victims to see the identity. The two were allegedly positively identified by the victims. Both men are known to the authorities and according to investigators one of them was released from jail the same day
that Doedat was slain. He was reportedly incarcerated for unlawful possession of a firearm. During the robbery the bandits managed to escape with $560,000 in cash, a gold band, a laptop computer and a cell phone. A post mortem performed on Deodat’s body at the New Amsterdam Hospital gave the cause of death as shock and haemorrhage due to gunshot wounds. Police detective Corporal Thomas swore to the evidence. Detectives are also seeking a third suspect. The matter will continue on December 10.
Magistrate Judy Latchman on Tuesday paved the way for a new ‘friendship’ after she dished out $100,000 bail (each) to a hair dresser and a market vendor who had a scuffle over barbeque tickets at the East Coast Bus Park. Appearing at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court were Denva Thierens, 28, who was charged with unlawful wounding, and Shannon Dover, 39, who was charged with unlawful assault. The charge which was read to Thierens alleged that on November 1, at Hinck Street, Georgetown, she unlawfully and maliciously wounded Shannon Dover. Dover faced the charge which alleged that on the said
date, at the aforementioned address, she unlawfully assaulted Denva Thierens so as to cause actual bodily harm. To the allegations, the ladies pleaded not guilty. Police Prosecutor Sergeant Vishnu Hunt presented the facts of the matter to the court. Hunt stated that on November 1, while at the East Coast Bus Park, Dover, a nail technician, confronted Thierens, a market vender, about the money owed to her for two barbeque tickets. The court heard that the women had an argument and a fight ensued. When questioned, Dover, in open court, stated that she was previously charged for
threatening behaviour. The Prosecution then offered no objections to bail and Magistrate Judy Latchman then instructed both ladies that they would thereby be obligated to pay $100,000 bail. The ladies proceeded to conduct a conversation among themselves. Thierens then informed the magistrate “Your honour, we no longer want to proceed with the matter. We are friends you know.” Magistrate Judy Latchman permitted the ladies to testify that they no longer wanted to offer evidence in the matter, following which she ordered them to pay $5000 each in court costs, before dismissing the matter.
Ramnarine Jagmohan and Neshan Jagmohan
Women settle dispute following $100,000 bail
Taxi Driver on $30,000 bail for throwing ‘squibs’ Taxi driver, Nicholas Brown, 23, yesterday appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court where he answered to a charge which alleged that on November 3, in Alexander Village, Brown, in a public place, threw fireworks at a gathering. To the allegation, the defendant pleaded not guilty. Brown is married, has one child and resides at 178 Fourth Street, Alexander Village. He was represented by Attorney-at-
Law Peter Hugh who refuted that there was a public gathering as alleged by the particulars of the charge. The lawyer also told the court that Brown has no previous convictions or charges. In a bail application for his client, Hugh requested that the court consider the fact that Brown was previously placed on $10,000 station bail. Magistrate Fabayo placed Brown on $30,000 bail and ordered him to return to court on November 19.
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Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
Crime and its contribution to inequitable development DEAR EDITOR, Over the last year one continued to read of the many murders under Home Affairs Minister Mr. Clement Rohee’s watch. A number of businessmen have been crushed by the bullets of criminals while Rohee has occupied the seat. Yet this PPP Government has the audacity to lecture the nation about creating a “robust environment for business”? In an article out of the World Bank called “Inequality and violent crime”, the authors advanced the position that income inequality has a significant and positive effect on the incidence of crime. Can Mr. Rohee and his colleagues in the PPP expect social harmony in an
environment where a handful of PPPites continue to “get richer fast” while the rest of the nation (including former soldiers and policemen) continue to suffer from economic deprivation as a result of poor public polices from the PPP? How can it be possible that only a handful of people, mostly aligned to the PPP, can leverage the billion-dollar deals, while the rest of the nation have to etch out a living on wages range from G$55,000-G$75,000 a month, sometimes even less, in the case of security guards? To further compound this economic oppression, a family of four can barely get by on G$80,000 per month according to a survey conducted by Red Thread and the workers union, GPSU.
Now I am not condoning crime, actually I personally reject these criminals who continue to harm our people, but we must all acknowledge that there is a genesis to these conditions of high crime, and much of it has to do with the way the country is being mismanaged. What is even worse is that crime in Guyana is not only being conducted by the likes of Rondell Rawlins but by some of those same persons who continue to orchestrate these billion-dollar deals that plunder the patrimony of the people. These white collar criminals commit a crime every day and call it national development. The taxpayers continue to be saddled with a humongous debt in exchange for pieces of equipment and buildings
The Procurement Commission... From page 4 and former European powers to regulate and control the economies of underdeveloped nations. It is my understanding that Guyana has some of the more stringent Laws already, to deter money laundering and countering of terrorism. That notwithstanding, we
seem to be only too ready to copycat to please the foreign financial lords and masters of the neo colonists in acceptance of subjection, so as to earn the benefit of loans, grants and subventions in return - which is a continuation of the basket case mentality. Urling and his colleagues could assist the opposition
by imploring upon his Government to accede to the National Assembly decisions, respect the Opposition as parties in National Development and institutionalize the provisions of the Guyana constitution without further undue delay. Clement Corlette Regional Chairman Region 4
that are clearly not value for money - case in point the Skeldon Sugar Factory. But these deals are not about value for money. These deals are about who head to the Bank after the deals. This is the deeper issue behind why well trained men continue to walk around Guyana with AK-47s believing they are Freedom Fighters and not criminals; robbing and killing our people. This crime wave will not stop until there is some serious acknowledgement that we have got a social cohesion problem and a competent head to the
security sector is appointed to lead on the process to bring this war to a manageable level. Clearly Minister Rohee is not competent enough to lead this process. A war has to be declared not only against the blue collar criminals but also the white collar criminals. Criminals are criminals, regardless of whether they are of the white or blue collar variety. Until the President recognizes that crime is the number one developmental retardant, whether it is blue or white, and then takes the necessary strategic measures, we’ve got a problem. How tough is that for the PPP to understand?
We have two choices; stand with the PPP in defending the white collar criminals, while labeling just the blue collar ones as the problem or launch a national struggle to save the Guyanese nation billions from those crooked deals, so that more money can be pumped into professionalizing a police force to win the war against those who aim to take the lives of innocent citizens. Sasenarine Singh
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Awareness intensifies during Foster Care Month As public awareness centers on the observance of Foster Care Month, officers within the Foster Care Department of the Child Care and Protection Agency, (CCPA) have embarked on a campaign to provide the nation with adequate information on the topic. Foster Care Manger, Colleen Khan, says that lack of knowledge with regard to the local foster care service has hindered its expansion. Khan told Kaieteur News that public information will be provided via the media. “This is the third consecutive year since we’re observing Foster Care Month. Since there is not much that is known about our services we will be promoting foster care via public service announcements using the print and electronic media, television and radio talk shows, we will incorporate the members of the private sector as well and we will utilize whatever means necessary to sensitize the public on the role and importance of foster care.” She reiterated that becoming a foster parent is a priceless opportunity. Persons can not only add to the development of their biological children but also to Guyana’s children. While the manager did not rule out that there are challenges associated with providing
Foster Care Manger, Colleen Khan foster care, she notes that “becoming a foster parent can be very rewarding.” “I wish to emphasize that the agency does not just hand over the child or children and leave… We provide financial assistance for any additional expenses as well as follow-up, psycho social support through the probation department.” Ms Khan says that there are currently 116 foster parents and 208 children in the system. While children belong with their biological parents, foster care provides a temporary alternative home for delinquent abused or neglected children. In Guyana, there is a need for additional foster care arrangements. The foster care
director explains that at some point during this month, the agency will be creating a core list to recruit, additional foster parents. “You do not have to be married or have children of your own to become a foster parent; some experience with children will be helpful. However, we provide parental training. What is required and important; is that applicants have a stable home and income generation.” “Before an applicant is approved two adequate references must be submitted along with the application, a medical examination carried out at the expense of the agency, a background check must be conducted by the police, and a home survey must be conducted by officers of the Child Welfare Department.” While some persons prefer to legally adopt children, foster care placement can last up to six months. “It is our responsibility to provide the best alternative situation… even as the temporary placement can last longer we are working in the best interest of the children.” Guyana has designated November as Foster Care Month. Foster Care Month 2013 will be observed under the theme “Give the Gift of Love and Protection and Foster a Child Today”
Finance Minister fails to bring NICIL reports to Parliament- APNU Shadow Finance Minister of the Opposition faction, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Carl Greenidge, has said that Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, has failed t o c o mply with the resolution which came out of the motion on NICIL. He added that this will definitely be followed up in the National Assembly. Greenidge said that there are clear and blatant abuses of powers on the part of the National Industri a l and Commercial Investments
Carl Greenidge Limited (NICIL) which is h e a d e d b y Wi n s t o n Brassington.
The former Minister of Finance said that Dr. Singh will be asked as to what he is doing in relation to the resolution. He said that the motion arose from gene r a l concerns about the unaccountability on the part of NICIL for a variety of actions; how it had taken decisions with Government resources in a number of projects and also because…They are six or seven years behind on reporting on the accounts that it was suppose to have prepared. The Motion which was drafted by Greenidge made reference to corruption on NICIL’s part and the fact that state assets were being disposed of without going thr o u g h t h e p r o p e r channels. Greenidge said, too, that the company is currently carrying out functions that contradict the original plan that fashioned the legislation to establish it. He said that the (Continued on page 28)
Thursday November 07, 2013
Kaieteur News
Jamaica, Japan pledge to strengthen ties
TOKYO, Japan — Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller is greeted by her Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe prior to their talks at Abe’s office in Tokyo Tuesday. Simpson Miller is on a three-day visit to Japan. (PHOTO: AP) TOKYO, Japan — Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller Tuesday signed a joint statement with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, promising a strengthening of bilateral ties between the two countries. At the same time, ambassadors representing both countries signed an agreement of technological corporation as Jamaica and Japan prepare to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations next year. The documents were signed at Abe’s official residence in Tokyo. The joint statement promised stronger bilateral relationships through shared prosperity, peace and sustainable growth; consolidation of a mutually beneficial and sustainable
economic relationship; mutual respect ad understanding through dialogue, exchange, and trade; and a strengthening of co-operation on Caribbean and global issues. It followed a meeting by Simpson Miller and Tsunekazu Takeda, president of the Japanese Olympic Committee, who is spearheading Tokyo’s much anticipated staging of the 2020 Olympic Games. Billboards around the capital are testament to the anxiety with which most Japanese await those games. Earlier, both prime ministers and their delegates were locked in a private meeting. “Our discussions highlighted the bonds not only between Jamaica and Japan but also between Japan
and the Caribbean community,” Simpson Miller told the media after the meeting. “We renewed our commitment with Japan on a bilateral, regional and multilateral level.” Simpson Miller also expressed hope that the partnership will yield increased trade between the two countries and investment from Japanese firms in Jamaica. She extended an invitation to Abe to visit Jamaica, saying that such a decision will help to lure Japanese visitors to the Caribbean nation. Abe, in his address, commented on Jamaica’s achievements in sports, referencing performances by Jamaican sprint sensation Usain Bolt, among other athletes.
Hundreds rally in support of controversial DomRep Court ruling SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic - CMC – Hundreds of people took to the streets in S a n t o Domingo yesterday in support of a controversial Constitutional Court ruling that could render stateless, thousands of people of Haitian descent. The demonstrators assembled opposite Independence Park in the capital carrying banners rejecting the presence of Haitians in the country and even suggesting the erection of a wall to ensure the division of Hispaniola that is shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The demonstrators said the “Patriotic Meeting” was aimed at lending support to
the ruling of the Constitutional Court that children born in the country of undocumented foreign parents do not have Dominican nationality. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM), as well as the Washingtonbased Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), have criticized the ruling made on September 23, with the IACHR saying that it “retroactively modifies legislation that was in effect from 1929 to 2010, and thus would strip Dominican citizenship from tens of thousands of people born in the Dominican Republic”. CARICOM Secretary General Irwin La Rocque said
the ruling “raises a serious question about the status of the numerous… Dominican Republic nationals of Haitian extract” while St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves in a letter to President Danilo Medina said the court’s decision was “unacceptable in any civilized community”. The international human rights group, Amnesty International and the Organization of American States (OAS) have also expressed concern over the ruling and the US-based Council on Hemispheric Affairs (COHA) said the ruling had turned the Dominican Republic into a “ticking time bomb.
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Dominica PM wants LIAT to be classified as an essential service BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - CMC – Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says the time has come to make the regional airline, LIAT, an essential service as the airline deals with a strike by its pilots that have led to several cancellations and flight delays. Skerrit, speaking with the online Barbados yesterday newspaper, said that he was concerned that the regional travelling public was being held to ransom every time there is industrial action at LIAT, whose major shareholders are Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Skerrit said it was frustrating for passengers to have to travel to the airport, in some instances long distances, only to be told that the plane is not coming because the pilots are on strike. “I don’t think we can build a region and a tourism product unless you address this particular problem. I am hoping that the matter can be resolved
Roosevelt Skerrit this evening,” he said noting however “this might just be a temporary fix (and) we need to find a permanent fix”. He told the online publication that the permanent fix could be along the lines of an essential service, adding “I think there is a case to be made for that”. The pilots walked off the jobs on Tuesday forcing cancellations and delays by the
airline that flies to more than 21 destinations on a daily basis. In a statement , LIAT said the airline said it held discussions with the Leeward Islands Airline Pilots Association (LIALPA), and that the company “has indicated its willingness to address any legitimate issues and has given a firm commitment that it will meet with LIALPA on Wednesday, in an effort to discuss the union’s concerns”. Earlier this year, the main opposition Antigua Labour Party (ALP) was critical of proposals by two prime ministers from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) that the aviation industry should be deemed an essential service. In June, Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer and his St. Vincent and the Grenadines colleague, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves supported a statement by then LIAT’s chief executive officer, Ian Brunton, that the aviation industry should also be classified as an essential service, with legislated restricted rights to strike.
Jamaica parliament passes defamation legislation Jamaica Observer KINGSTON, Jamaica — The House of Representatives Tuesday passed the Defamation Act, 2013, which is aimed at addressing inadequacies in the present libel legislation. Attorney General, Patrick Atkinson, echoed the general sentiment in both Houses of Parliament, that the gestation period of the Act was “too long a wait”, in piloting the Bill. “The Bill has taken over six years from conception to
fruition: A gestation period of so many years places too much time and labour for its delivery,” Atkinson said, noting that the consensus was “clear”, that the defamation legislation was in need of modernization. The Act was conceived during the previous Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) administration with strong support from then Prime Minister Bruce Golding, who appointed a committee chaired by former parliamentarian and legal
luminary, Hugh Small to review the laws. The Small Committee submitted its report in February, 2008, after which a joint select committee of Parliament was appointed to review its recommendations. The Bill, which Atkinson said should be implemented soon as it has already been passed by the Senate, repeals the Defamation Act and the Libel and Slander Act and makes new provisions for dealing with defamation.
Finance Minister fails to bring... From page 26 organization was originally established as a holding company which was intended to oversee the allocation of assets that came out of the privatization of assets. It was also responsible for advising on how properties are disposed of but the government instead, “uses NICIL to get these lands and distribute them to its friends without having to go through any proper procedure for vetting or for setting prices or anything like that.” “State lands are not supposed to be handed out at personal whims and fancies, which is what the government has been using the company to do.” This is the heart of the problem, the Former Finance Minister said, and so a motion was passed in 2012 calling on the government to account for the lands that it has been entrusted with and to explain the basis upon which these lands have been
handed out. It was also asked to ensure that the agency brings its accounts up to date and that they hand over the monies and excess funds over to the treasury. The motion called upon the Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, to take entities such as NICIL that had been given special privileges to hold funds without transferring them to the treasury, to hand them over instantly . The motion, Greenidge said, was originally submitted sometime in April and passed on June 27 and the Dr. Singh was required over the past three years to do a number of things. He said that the abuses of the powers that have taken place post 1997 and the failure of Dr. Singh and NICIL to satisfy the requirements that are set out in the resolution is an absolute disrespect of the Law, hence the decision by the A Partnership for National Unity to follow up on resolutions that came out of the motion.
Thursday November 07, 2013
Kaieteur News
Fitzgerald, Adams wins... From page 32 competitors like Shondell Hyles and Mary Correia. She defeated Ms. Correia 2/1 in the first semifinal, while. Hyles beat Smart 2/0 in their semi-final. Hyles defeated Adams in the first game of the final, before Adams came back hard leveling the score 1/1. Adams then won the deciding match, checking out double 17 and winning the female singles 2/1. MEN’SSINGLES Sudesh Ftzgerald came out
champ in the Men’s Singles, only losing one leg to S. Greene in the best of five final. Fitzgerald defeated A. Lachman in the quarter final 2/0, moving on to face L. Butcher in the semi-final, winning again 2/0 and also scored the shortest checkout (120), while Sherwyn Greene defeated M. Persaud 2/1 in the other semi-final. Fitzgerald finished the first leg checking out with double 20. He then finished the second leg with 17 darts starting with 180
points on his first throw and checking out with double 7. Fitzgerald lost the third game to Greene after miscalculating the finish (with a 110 checkout Fitzgerald played 20, triple 20 and then shoots for bull instead of double 15), leaving Greene to finish the game with double 20. Sudesh Fitzgerald finished the forth leg and winning the tournament with another 17 darts checkout; he shot 125, 60, 100, 100, 40, and then checked out with triple 20, double 8.
Thursday November 07, 2012 ARIES (MAR 21 - APR 19): Gadgets and new devices that are supposed to make it easier to accomplish certain tasks may actually cause more confusion. You're often a big fan of doing things the oldfashioned way. *************************** TAURUS (APR 20 - MAY 20): Be careful about going overboard with your sarcasm. Some people take your comments seriously. Not everyone understands your humor. This could make communication unclear at times. *************************** GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN 20): Self-image could be a difficult issue for you. Perhaps you've painted a false picture of yourself lately. In an effort to cover your insecurity, you may not have expressed how you feel to some people. *************************** CANCER (JUN 21 - JUL 22): You may feel like there's absolutely nowhere to turn. Reality is a scary thing to face. The last thing you want to do is be serious. But you're finding it difficult to get satisfaction from your fantasy world. *************************** LEO (JUL 23 - AUG 22): TYou have a strong sense of self. You take charge of situations instead of letting them take charge of you. But this sense of independence and self-confidence may threaten other people. ************************ VIRGO (AUG 23 - SEP 22): You may feel like a mediator between two camps, or you may be the one in a struggle that needs mediation. The big problem with the tension today is that one side could be headstrong and bound to the facts and the truth, while the other is bound to a broader perspective, not necessarily a realistic one.
LIBRA (SEP 23 - OCT 22): Be careful about taking everything as a personal offense. Others' inconsiderate actions may hurt you emotionally, but they don't have to. *************************** SCORPIO (OCT 23 NOV 21): Difficult tension may be frustrating for you to handle. You may wonder why everyone can't just get along. from the fire. *************************** SAGITTARIUS (NOV 22 - DEC 21): Tension may arise among friends when someone suddenly feels like an ignored third wheel. People tend to pair up. Do what you can to stay on topics to which everyone can contribute equally. *************************** CAPRICORN (DEC 22 JAN 19): Your lively, imaginative spirit is in tune with the collective. The need for a worldly consciousness and evolving humanity has become more obvious to you as time goes by. *************************** AQUARIUS (JAN 20 FEB 18): Just when you slow down, simplify, and plan, things start to pick up again. Your imagination starts to fly. Stabilization hinders your creative spirit. The last thing your artistic mind wants to do is slow down. Resolving this inner conflict may be hard, but it's possible. *************************** PISCES (FEB 19 - MAR 20): Your sense of play might get you into trouble. This sort of attitude could run up against someone who's trying to stay on task and take things seriously. It may be difficult for you to know how far to push a situation.
Page 29
Wilbur Hope Memorial Inter School Football Tournament
BHS, TASS, NATI, VESS through to semis Old nemesis Berbice High School (BHS) and Berbice Educational Institute (BEI) continued their rivalry as they remained inseparable playing to a 2-2 draw in the latest round of the ongoing Wilbur Hope Memorial Inter Secondary School football Competition being played at the All Saints Scott Church Ground for Schools in the New Amsterdam/Canje area. With both teams in with a chance of making it to the semifinal of the competition, BEI were first on the score sheet when Stafford Edwards
blasted home the first of his double in the 10th minute with the second coming in the 23rd minute. For their part BHS responded in the 20th and 23rd minutes with goals off the boots of Jamal Cambridge and Derek Taylor. In the second game of the double header card, Vryman’s Erven Secondary School (VESS) surprised New Amsterdam Multilateral School with a 2-1 upset win. The VESS team got their goals off the boot of Howard Smith in the 45th and Keron
Williams in the 58th minutes, while Jamal Butts had gotten things rolling for NAMS in the 33rd minute. The final and third place play off is set for today following the semis yesterday. The top four teams will be adequately rewarded with trophies, medals and other prizes, while the top individual players will also be presented with accolades. The competition is being sponsored by overseas based Guyanese and US army solider Kevin Henry and the Hope foundation and coordinated by Neil ‘Grizzly’ Humphrey and members of the Hearts of Oak Masters Football Club. (Samuel Whyte)
More gold.. From page 35 and gold in the 100m and 50m breaststroke, respectively, and bronze in the 100m individual medley at the Berlin meet; silver medals in the 100m and 50m breaststroke, and bronze in the 100m individual medley at Moscow; gold and silver in the 100m and 50m breaststroke, respectively, and gold in the 100m individual medley in Dubai; gold and silver again in the 100m and 50m breaststroke and bronze in the 100m individual medley in Doha.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday November 07, 2013
Cricket Stakeholders write WICB
Mr. Whycliffe “Dave” Cameron President WEST INDIES CRICKET BOARD INC. St John’s, Antigua WEST INDIES
DEARPRESIDENT, We note with extreme concern the content of your letter dated 24 October 2013 and addressed to Mr. Sherlock Isaacs, Clerk of the National Assembly. We are compelled to respond as it is clear that there has been some amount of misinformation disseminated in relation to the participation, process and intent of the Guyana Cricket Administration Bill 2012 (GCAB 2012). Firstly, we wish to state that the authors of this letter are the “Majority Constituent Members of Guyana Cricket” and that we have played a part in the Parliamentary process which took place over a three-month period and which allowed the opportunity for all cricket stakeholders throughout Guyana to make contributions. We categorically state that the subject Bill was drafted with our full knowledge and consent. We note that the West Indies Cricket Board Inc. (WICB) is on record as having itself made a contribution to the GCAB 2012. It is our contention that there does not exist a legitimate Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) as only one of the three (3) constituent Member Boards of the GCB took part in the purported elections held in July 2011 and again in January 2013. The persons holding themselves as officers of the GCB have for the past three (3) years foisted themselves on the administration of cricket in Guyana, and the WICB had been advised accordingly. Those persons do not reflect the will nor do they represent the interest of the cricket stakeholders of Guyana at any level. The apparent collusion between the WICB and the illegal GCB regime has severely undermined cricket development in Guyana to the extent that our cricket has been in chaos and confusion for over three (3) years. This collusion is evident in the fact that the WICB had sent three (3) observers (Imran Khan, Paul Slowe and Conde Riley) to the purported GCB elections held on 27 January 2013 in an apparent charade to accept the results of those elections as quid pro quo for Guyana’s support for the re-election of Dr. Julian Hunte as President of the WICB. Meanwhile, at the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) level, Raj Singh, Anand Sanasie and persons unknown to the DCB constituent members have reportedly usurped the functions
of a legitimate DCB Executive. This is the first time since the formation of the DCB in 1991 that the major constituent members of the DCB - the East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) and the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) - along with the Guyanese cricketing public, do not know who the executive members of the DCB are. The GCA and the ECCB wrote a letter to the WICB in February 2013 (copy attached) informing that there is no legitimate DCB as a court order was issued prohibiting the holding of elections for the DCB. Further, that letter sought the intervention of the WICB to determine who were the persons holding themselves as Executive Members of the DCB, and who represented the DCB at the purported elections of the GCB on 27 January 2013. To date, there has been no reply. The fact that the DCB is illegal and that one of the other two (2) constituent Member Boards of the GCB, the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), did not take part in the purported elections of the GCB on 27 January 2013 meant that there could not possibly have been constitutional elections. The WICB has therefore been sending monies over the past three (3) years to an illegal GCB, and much of those remittances have been consumed in GCB legal fees. It is apposite to note that none of the monies has gone to those constituent members that make up ninety percent (90) of the strength of Guyana Cricket. Moreover, the assets of the DCB and the assets of the GCB have been illegally transferred to private individuals without the knowledge and authorisation of the constituent members of those Boards and ipso facto are no longer the property of those constituent members. All the while, the WICB continues to recognise the GCB as the governing body for cricket in Guyana, without addressing the critical issue that the Majority Constituent Members of the GCB had on several occasions informed the WICB that the present GCB is illegal and is not a properlyconstituted entity. We had many times requested the intervention of the WICB in this matter but instead the Parent Board has apparently accepted the claims of the illegal GCB. What would be the position of the WICB should we, the Majority Constituent Members of Guyana cricket, hold elections and present ourselves as the GCB? It is expected that the WICB would accept only a properly and legallyconstituted Member Board, in keeping with Clauses 2 to 9(A) of the ICC Rules.
We wish to remind you that in April 2013 at the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown, a delegation from the Majority Constituent Members of Guyana Cricket met and apprised you of the untenabl e s i t u a t i o n t o which Guyana cricket had regressed. We delivered several documents to you including injunctions/ orders supporting the widely-held position that the GCB is an illegal body. Importantly, you had given an undertaking then that the “Guyana problem” would be high on your agenda and that under your watch there would be transparency, accountability and credibility in the election processes of the Member Boards of the WICB. Further, we wish to remind you that, after a discussion on the Parliamentary process, you conceded that this process was the best solution to resolve the cricket impasse in Guyana, and you p l e d g e d y o u r s u p p o rt. However, nothing has been done by the WICB to address the problems that exist in Guyana Cricket. Instead, we note with concern that some amount of criticism has been leveled in relation to the passage of the Guyana Cricket Administration Bill 2012. This Bill is noble in its intent to bring order to Guyana Cricket and has the support of the vast amount of the stakeholders of Guyana Cricket. Also, we are aware that the very persons who illegally occupy the GCB recently embarked on a campaign to garner the support of WICB officials to discredit the Bill in an attempt to ultimately derail the Parliamentary process. It is clear that those persons are very uncomfortable wit h t h e Parliamentary process which will result in a free, democratic and fair process for the holding of elections f o r t h e GCB and its constituent Member Boards. With regard to the content of your letter, we note that some of your issues seem to be misplaced. It is unfortunate that we were not given an opportunity to clarify these issues. Please note the following: 1. We recognize that the Bill seeks to pave the way for the holding of fresh, free and fair elections for the constituent members of Guyana Cricket Board and for the Guyana Cricket Board itself. 2. We are assured that, with both the Bill and the GCB
constitution, there will be no involvement by Government in the administration of cricket. 3. It is important to note that the Guyana Cricket Board is not a self-serving and independent entity; it is a body constituted by the three (3) Member Boards and is answerable to those Boards. The constituent members of Guyana Cricket are the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) and the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) and these Boards biennially elect an Executive Committee, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), to administrate cricket. Constitutionally, the supreme authority for cricket in Guyana is the General Membership which is made up of the three (3) abovenamed Member Boards. The Guyana Cricket Board Executives can be recalled at any time by the three (3) County Boards. 4. The setting of the membership of the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) is a constitutional matter for the constituent members of the Demerara Cricket Board. The Demerara Cricket Board is merely an executive body that is elected biennially by the constituent members of the Demerara Cricket Board and cannot on its own make any constitutional change. (Please note that submissions to Parliament were made by the major constituent members of Demerara Cricket). 5. We also hope that the parties will come to final resolution but we are mindful that there is a very small clique that seems bent on staying in illegal control of Guyana Cricket.
It is incumbent on the WICB to “rally round” any process that is noble in its intent to bring order in any area within its jurisdiction. Towards this end, the WICB would have been better placed to make a fair and proper judgment on the Guyana Cricket problems had it consulted the bona fide stakeholders of Guyana Cricket. This was never done. In closing, we the Majority and Major Constituent Members of Guyana Cricket have perused both the Bill and the attached schedules and wish to state categorically that we are in full support of these documents pursuant to the passage of the Cricket Administration Bill 2012. Also, we look forward to the support of the WICB in the general interest of West Indies cricket. We avail ourselves to meet with you at any time to discuss these troubling issues and we wish to assure you of our fullest cooperation towards a fair resolution. We hope that this will be the final resolution to the troubles that have consumed cricket in Guyana for too long. Yours sincerely, Keith Foster President Berbice Cricket Board Bissoondyal Singh President East Coast Cricket Board Roger Harper President Georgetown Association
Cricket
Cc: Mr. Emmanuel Nanthan Vice-President West Indies Cricket Board Inc Mr. Michael Muirhead CEO - West Indies Cricket
Board Inc Directors - West Indies Cricket Board Inc Secretary - Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board Secretary - Jamaica Cricket Association Secretary - Barbados Cricket Association Secretary - Windward Islands Cricket Association Secretary - Leeward Islands Cricket Association Mr. David Richardson CEO - International Cricket Council H.E. Donald Ramotar President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony MP - Minister of Culture, Youth & Sport and Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Cricket Hon. Mohabir Nandlall MP - Attorney General of Guyana and Minister of Legal Affairs Mr. David Granger MP Leader of the opposition and A Partnership for National Unity Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine MP - Member of Special Select Committee (Cricket) Mr. Joseph Harmon MP - Member of Special Select Committee (Cricket) Mr. Basil Williams MP Member of Special Select Committee (Cricket) Mr. Christopher Jones MP - Member of Special Select Committee (Cricket) Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan MP - Member of Special Select Committee (Cricket) Mr. Odinga Lumumba MP - Member of Special Select Committee (Cricket) Mr. Neend Kumar MP Member of Special Select Committee (Cricket) Hon. Erwin Larocque Secretary General – Caribbean Community Secretariat
Muscle Explosion Bodybuilding Show
Guest Poser Kerwyn Clarke promises to entertain crowd Reigning Mr. Guyana Kerwyn Clarke has promised to entertain the crowd come Saturday evening when the inaugural Muscle Explosion Bodybuilding Show comes off at Kaylee’s Resort, Coverden, East Bank Demerara. Clarke, who won a bronze medal at this year’s Central American and Caribbean Championships that were held in the Dominican Republic, told Kaieteur Sport he has been focusing on his CAT studies and training for the past few months but will be doing something special for the fans. He has offered kudos to
the organisers of this event and the Guyana Amateur Body Building and Fitness Federation (GABBFF) for putting on a show of this magnitude in a nontraditional bodybuilding area. “I think the idea and execution is commendable which can only see the sport developing and becoming even more popular. I think it will also bring more persons on board in terms of sponsorship which is a win, win situation for all.” A number of former Mr. Guyana winners are expected to be competing on stage on Saturday including Clint Duke
and Oswin Jones. Devon Davis, 2013 CAC gold medalist will also be in contention for the Mr. Muscle Explosion crown. Competition categories will be Under 143, Under-155, Under-165, Under 176 and Over 176 among the male athletes, while five females will challenge each other in the Ms. Bikini contest. The show, which is organised by the Total Fitness Gym of Soesdyke and coordinated by Videsh Sookram, will commence at 19:00hrs. Patrons are assured that secured parking will be available.
Thursday November 07, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 31
Journalist Andrew Carmichael feels Kashif and Shanghai insults Region Six The recent announcement by the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation (K&SO) that it has switched to Secondary Schools with the aim of “developing the younger Golden Jaguars,” should be applauded but their first step they have made in reaching that GOAL is an insult to the people of Region Six, an insult to academics and an insult to the Ministry of Education and all who are part of the system, Carmichael wrote. On Thursday November 31st co-directors of K&SO, Kashif Muhammad and Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major met at the Pegasus Hotel and told reporters of plans for the upcoming tournament which they said will for the first year, be for school children and not senior footballers. That sounded good. Mr. Muhammad told the media that the top eight teams from the second annual Digicel Schools football championships will gain direct entry into the twentyfour team competition. That
Andrew Carmichael in my mind did well for continuity for the development of football from the school level. Then Mr. Muhammad insults us all and named the twenty-four teams. There are four from the town of Linden, eight from Georgetown, four from West Demerara, four from East Coast Demerara, two from East Bank Demerara, one from Region Seven and ONE from ‘the County’ of Berbice.
“The School that was named is from Region Five which is indeed part of the county of Berbice but no school from Region Sis was named. Isn’t that an insult to the people of Region six, a Region that has three towns and was part of the Digicel tournament?” asked Carmichael. “In the past residents of Region Six gave great support to the K&S tournament when in came to the Blairmont Community Centre on Christmas Day. Hundreds of them will leave the Corentyne and other parts of the region and cross with the ferry to get to the ground, sometimes leaving home as early as 12:30hrs to go about four miles from home to give support to the tournament despite whether a team from Berbice was going to be in action or not. Getting home meant walking a mile and a half to get to the Rosignol Ferry Stelling and waiting until the last boat at 22:30hrs or later before fans got back to New
Amsterdam, which was usually almost midnight on Christmas Day. Those fans who made those sacrifices are certainly receiving a big thank you from the organizers,” the Berbice Journalist reasoned. “During Thursday’s press conference Muhammad did say, “The top eight teams from the second annual Digicel Schools football championships will gain direct entry into the twentyfour team competition.” New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI) is one of the schools that played one of the four semi-final matches in the “The second annual Digicel Schools football championships.” NATI is not mentioned in the list of names Shanghai presented to the media. Isn’t that an insult to academics? I will not want to say that an upright man like Mr. Muhammad said something that was other that the truth. It could not be an oversight because all of the teams were named. When students of NATI were
confronted with the harsh reality on Friday that they were told something other than the truth, they expressed disappointment. Some of their comments cannot be mentioned.” “The insult is not just to the students of NATI and those who supported K&S in the past, but to all of the students who took part in the second annual Digicel Schools football championships, it suggest to them that the Region Six Leg of that tournament of which they were a part of was not of a standard worthy of being mentioned,” Carmichael noted. “Mr. Muhammad also took the opportunity to introduce Olato Sam the country’s Chief Education Officer who he said will be playing a role. One will guess that Olato Sam is playing a key role in ensuring that only one team from the county of Berbice gets a chance in the tournament and more so that the one school chosen is a
private school. Yes the press was told that there will be one school from Berbice at it will be Ash Educational Trust. The Chief Education Officer from all that was said at the press conference that he attended and spoke is supporting the move. Isn’t this an insult to the Ministry of Education and by extension an insult to the Government? I will not hasten to say that if it is an insult to the government it is by extension an insult to all the people of Guyana.” “I wonder whether the sponsors who Muhammad named are aware that many of their supporters in Region Six are being treated like this in something that they are sponsoring. It is not too late for K&S or the sponsors to make changes. As it Relates to Region Six, inviting only one school from East Berbice, Corentyne to the tournament in my opinion will still be an insult to a Region that has three towns.”
football but are not turning up for matches. He cited South New Amsterdam who failed to show up for their semifinal game, thus being dumped from the competition. Former national player Sherwin Forde also expressed his frustration with what is happening with football in Berbice and Guyana. Forde, the younger brother of former national star Adrian ‘Sugar Foot’ Forde, echoed sentiments made earlier by other former national players. He said that the HOMFC is in the business of football
development while noting that they are not in a fight with anyone, but when public funds are involved persons should be accountable. Forde stated that the HOMFC will continue to do what they do best and that is organising football related activities. “As former national players we feel saddened with the state of the administration and playing of the game today. Too much fighting and bantering and not much happening,” stressed Forde.
He stated that the HOMFC will continue to organise activities at the junior and seniors levels including female competitions. An Under-15 tournament is slated for this Saturday involving teams throughout Berbice at the All Saints, Scott’s Church ground. The organisation in conjunction with the Hope Foundation is presently conducting the second annual Wilber Hope Inter Secondary School football tournament. (Samuel Whyte)
Hearts of Oak Masters presents Inter Ward football winners with accolades
The Hearts of Oak Masters Football Club (HOMFC) of Berbice on Saturday last presented the winner and outstanding individual players with their accolades following the recently concluded Inter Ward Football tournament at a specially arranged presentation ceremony held at the All Saints Ground, Princess Elizabeth Road, New Amsterdam. Preceding the presentation ceremony were two exhibition matches, an Under-15 encounter and a senior game, both involving North New Amsterdam/East Canje against South/Central New Amsterdam. The eight team competition, which concluded last Saturday, was won by North New Amsterdam 3-2 on penalty kicks over Central New Amsterdam in the final after the game ended in a 1-1 stalemate. East Canje placed third, gaining a walk over from South New Amsterdam. The other teams that participated in the competition were Fyrish/Lower Corentyne, Manchester/Central Corentyne, Rose Hall Town and the Joint Services.
The winning North New Amsterdam team pose with their silverware along with the organisers. The winning North New Amsterdam team received the Kurt Alphonso Trophy and $70,000 while Central New Amsterdam received $45,000 and trophy. East Canje received $35,000 and trophy for placing third. The MVP was Steffon DeFlorimonte of North, while Kevin Joseph of Central and Delroy Ferdinand of North netted four goals each and were the joint top goal scorers. The best goalkeeper on show was Dirk Henry of North; prizes were presented compliments of Kurt
Alphonso and family. At the presentation ceremony, which was chaired by former national Ike Bowry, the organisers again reiterated their disappointment in both the BFA and the GFF for their inaction. They stated that their main aim is to get football played in all spheres and forms again in the Ancient County. Coordinator Neil Humphrey did not hide his disappointment in both organisations. He also chided some of the players who claimed that they want to play
Page 32
Kaieteur News
Letter to the Sports Editor
Provisions are made for athletes’ travel from Region1 DEAR EDITOR, I saw a letter in the Stabroek Edition of November 06 from a gentleman who says he is a teacher at the Mabaruma Secondary School. His letter deals with the fielding of swimmers from only Moruca for the National Schools’ Championships. The writer then goes on to take us through the whole gamut of travelling and other expenses for these athletes, hence his argument that Region 1 cannot only select the Regional swim team from Moruca. I offer the following: 1. These expenses are catered for in the Budget of the Regional Education
Department; 2. The reason for running off inter schools and zones is to select your best athletes in the specific disciplines; 3. If Moruca boasts the best swimmers in the Region then, by all means that is how the team should be comprised. Moruca may not have the athletes to do competitive times in the 100m or 200m in the Track events but they could do great times in the aquatic events; 4. Yes, there are others in the Region who could swim, I can swim but I am not competitive material for bringing home the Gold; The records of the achievements of past teams
are all documented. Also, Region 1 is comprised of 2 Sub Regions not 3 as the writer states. Due to the areas, Moruca, Matarkai and Mabaruma being so widely dispersed, the Administration of the areas had to be sub divided. I do hope that the teacher who wrote the letter will correct this so his students could be properly informed. I take this opportunity to wish the entire Region 1 team the best in their respective competitions. Support each other, be you from Moruca, Mabaruma or Matthews Ridge. Do your Region proud! I am, Born and bred in Region 1.
Fitzgerald, Adams wins MSC/Trophy Stall Darts
Ms. Adel Chalmers (left) presenting winners; Ms. Melissa Smart and Sudesh Fitzgerald with their prizes. Sudesh Fitzgerald and Marilyn Adams won the Men’s and Ladies categories of the Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC)/Trophy Stallsponsored DARTS Tournament which was played recently, at MSC. Apart from the Men’s Singles triumph, Fitzgerald then teamed up with Melissa Smart to capture the Doubles crown. Luck of the Draw Doubles In the luck of the draw doubles, team L. Butcher and D. Correia defeated S. Hyles and J. Holligan 2/0 in the quarter finals, before
going up against S. Fitzgerald and M. Smart in the semifinals who had defeated L. Rambarose and N. Seetaram 2/1 in their quarter-final matchup. M. Persaud and C. France defeated the pair M. Adams and S. Greene 2/1 in their quarter finals to set up a semi-final showdown against M. Correia and L. RamirezMerlano who eliminated the pair of A. Lachman and M. Yaw in the last quarter finals. Fitzgerald and Smart won the first semi-finals 2/0 against L. Butcher and D. Correia and met the duo of
with C. France and Mark Persaud who won the other semi-final against M. Correia and L. RamirezMerlano 2/1. In the final, Fitzgerald and Smart came out victorious, winning two (2/0) straight in a best out of 3 games against Persaud and France. WOMEN’S SINGLES Coming out from a long break, Marilyn Adams came out victorious playing her first G.D.A. endorsed tournament for the year. She defeated top female (Continued on page 25)
Thursday November 07, 2013
CMRC November 24 Meet
Two faces for the future in motor racing They are young, they are undeniably talented and clearly the two most exciting kids in local motor racing and come November 24 when the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club host the final leg of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC) fans will have the opportunity to see them showcase their skills at the South Dakota Circuit. Young Matthew Vieira and Nikhil Seereeram have been thrilling motor racing fans with their unbelievable talent and daredevilry that certainly contradicts their respective ages. Though not part of the CMRC these two racing prodigies are set to take to the circuit in both the novices Superbike and go-kart categories and fans could expect some nerve tingling displays from them against their more seasoned counterparts which
over the past year has become an exciting attraction on the day’s programme. Matthew, who is the son of Group 4 speedster Mark Vieira, has quickly developed from the nursery stage at the GMR&SC go-kart track to the one at the South Dakota Circuit and his performances to date have been very impressive and clearly emphasise his growing prowess in the sport. The same could be said about Seereeram, who many believe has already developed to the stage where he could challenge the ‘big’ boys and has already scored some morale boosting victories over them on a few occasions. Seereeram has shown that he is not afraid to mix it up on the turns and in the gooseneck, regarded as one of the more difficult sections of the circuit and this to many is the hallmark of a future champion. They are two exciting prospects
for the future that should be able to represent this country with distinction whenever the likes of Stephen Vieira, Joel Neblett and the others decide to call it a day. The two racers are also very adept in the shifter karts and have already thrown down some thrilling displays against the likes of Stanley Ming Snr, Marcus Fiedtkou, Jerry Max Gouveia, just to name a few. They are the future faces of the sport and motor racing fans are being urged to come out and see the new breed of motor racing exhibit their skills later this month. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism which has been on board for the past three years will once again partner the GMR&SC in an event that has evolved into a major sport tourism attraction. GT&T, Seaboard Marine, Valvoline, Banks Beer and King’s Jewellery World are the major sponsors for this event.
Batting collapse undermines ... From page 33 Samuels batted with typical flair before lunch in front a crowd that half-filled the vast stadium to be part of Tendulkar’s pentultimate Test. They helped the Caribbean side overcome the setback of losing their openers in the first hour. Samuels got off the mark when he glanced his first delivery from Shami to the deep fine leg boundary for four and unleashed a volley of typically stylish strokes. He greeted Ojha with a six over long-on and a searing drive through cover off Bhuvneshwar Kumar just before the interval gave goose-bumps. Bravo was far more sedate, but no less at ease and lofted Ashwin for a six deep into the crowd over long-off with his one stroke of violence before lunch. Gayle had guided the first ball of the match from Kumar between third slip and gully for a boundary, but eased the nerves when he collected three fours from Shami’s third over from languid, rather than brutal strokes. The big left-hander had a determined approach to his batting and moved serenely to 18 before Kumar squared him up and he was caught at second slip from a thick edge. Powell typically never looked troubled at the crease, confidently handling the newball pair of Kumar and Shami, and welcoming Ashwin into the attack with a lofted straight six off his third ball and a lofted ondrive from the final ball of the bowler’s first over. But the lean left-hander was undone by the uneven bounce of the pitch, when he miscued a pull at a short
delivery from Shami and was caught at mid-on for 28 to prompt the day’s first drinks break with the visitors 47 for two. With Roach nursing his sore shoulder, left-arm fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell made his Test debut, becoming the 297th Test player from the Caribbean. It meant there was only one change to the side that played in the tour opener against Uttar Pradesh last week, with off-spinner Shillingford replacing lefthanded batsman and part-time off-spinner Narsingh Deonarine. India handed debuts to Shami and batsman Rohit Sharma, leaving outAmit Mishra, Ajinkya Rahane, Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav . Local authorities held a brief ceremony before the start of play, presenting both teams – including the soon-to-be retired Tendulkar – with bouquets, a commemorative medal and tie. The second and final Test starts next Thursday at the Wankhede Stadium in Tendulkar’s home city of Mumbai and will be followed by three One-day Internationals. SCOREBOARD WEST INDIES 1st Innings C. Gayle c Vijay b Kumar 18 K. Powell c Kumar b Mohammad Shami 28 D.M. Bravo run out (Mohammed Shami/Dhoni) 23 M. Samuels b Mohammad Shami 65 S. Chanderpaul b Ashwin 36 +D. Ramdin b Mohammad Shami 4 *D. Sammy c Kumar b Ojha
16 S. Shillingford lbw b Tendulkar 5 V. Permaul c and b Ashwin 14 T. Best not out 14 S. Cottrell b Mohammad Shami 0 Extras (b4, lb7) 11 TOTAL (all out) 234 Fall of wickets: 1-34, 2-47, 3138, 4-138, 5-143, 6-172, 7-192, 8-211, 9-233 Bowling: Kumar 14-6-33-1; Mohammad Shami 17-2-714; Ashwin 21-9-52-2; Ojha 24-662-1; Tendulkar 2-1-5-1 INDIA 1st Innings S. Dhawan not out 21 M. Vijay not out 16 TOTAL (without loss) 37 To bat: C. Pujara, S. Tendulkar, V. Kohli, R. Sharma, *+M.S. Dhoni, R. Ashwin, B. Kumar, Mohammad Shami, P. Ojhato Bowling: Best 2-0-15-0; Cottrell 5-2-13-0; Shillingford 4-2-8-0; Permaul 1-0-1-0 Position: India trail by 197 runs with all first innings wickets standing Toss: West Indies Umpires: R. Kettleborough (England), N. Llong (England) TV umpire: V. Kulkarni (India) Match referee: A. Pycroft (Zimbabwe) Reserve umpire: S. Das (India)
Thursday November 07, 2013
Kaieteur News
Little DIVA Flames receive football boots
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De Nobrega to defend DMW 50-mile West Dem. title on Sunday
Paul De Nobrega
Ms Vanessa Dickenson, President of the NAWF, (right) hands over the football boots to representative of the club Ms Aaliyah Stanley in the presence of her teammates. Little DIVA Flames Football Club were the recipient of twenty (20) pairs of football boots compliments of the National Association for Women Football (NAWF). The boots were handed out at the GFC Ground on Monday 4th November 2013 before the team’s training session. Ms Vanessa Dickenson, President of the NAWF, hand over the football boots
to a representative of the club Ms Aaliyah Stanley a National under-17 player. The club has five (5) Nat U17 players in their squad. The boots were donated by a sponsor who at this time has decided to remain anonymous and they have promised to continue to support football especially female football. The other members of the club who received boots
were, Mariska Corbin (Nat U17) Shaunna Taylor, Siedha Dummett, Jennel Brown (Nat U17), Atabia James, Precious Johnson, Shania Riley, Tandica La Rose, Althea Holligan (U17), Gabriella English, Dacaycia Norville, Alicia Simpson (U17) Latefha Rogers, Tiffiney Jupiter, Deborah Waldron, Troyan Barton, Janet Chinian, Lashana Young and Princess
Gardner. The team practices every Saturday at the GFC Ground commencing at 0 6 : 3 0 h r s . H o w e v e r, beginning this Wed at 06:00hrs, practice sessions will also be held at the same venue. Sessions are conducted by Joseph “Bill” Wilson & Sheron “Sherry” Abrams. National Player Vurlon Mills also attends the session regularly and assist the coaches in the process.
Batting collapse undermines WI KOLKATA, India – A day that started with much promise ended somberly for West Indies, after a half-century from Marlon Samuels failed to ignite their batting, as newcomer Mohammad Shami triggered a collapse to give India an early advantage in the first Test on Wednesday here. Samuels hit the top score of 65, but Shami grabbed 4-71 from 17 overs on debut, as the Windies, choosing to bat, were bowled out for 234 in their first innings about an hour after tea on the opening day before a packed Eden Gardens. Several of the West Indies’ batsmen got starts, but failed to carry on – Shivnarine Chanderpaul scored 36, Kieran Powell made 28 and Darren Bravo got 23 – as the visitors crumbled after tea from a steady 138 for two. The Windies, whose bowling plans were compromised with Kemar Roach sidelined with a sore shoulder, then failed to remove either left-hander Shikhar Dhawan, not out on 21, or
fellow opener Murali Vijay, not out on 16, as the Indians reached 37 without loss when stumps were drawn. West Indies captain Darren Sammy said the previous day his side needed to avoid the calamitous sessions that have often eroded their positions of strength in past Tests. But five wickets – including Sammy’s – in the period between lunch and tea was proof that it remains an area of concern for the Caribbean side. The stylish Samuels was in cruise mode, reaching his 50 from 61 balls, when he guided left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha through square cover for a single in the second over after lunch. Samuels was fortunate on 60, when wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the Indian captain, put him down from an under-edged cut off Ojha Umpires Richard Kettleborough and Nigel Llong, both from England, decided they were not happy with the condition of the ball and issued India with a replacement, which Shami
used to good effect, getting it to reverse swing prodigiously to the detriment of the West Indies batsmen. Samuels was bowled playing back to a well-pitched delivery from the fast-medium bowler that kept low and moved back to extract his middle stump. The Windies batting stylist struck 11 fours and two sixes from 98 balls in 103 minutes, and put on 91for the third wicket with Bravo that had revived the Windies from a wobbly 47 for two after the first hour. West Indies suffered a further setback, when Bravo was run out for 23 in a mix-up with fellow left-hander Shivnarine Chanderpaul next over. Bravo advanced looking for a single into square leg from off-spin threat Ravichandran Ashwin. Forced to retreat, he was beaten by Shami’s throw to Dhoni. Denesh Ramdin was fortunate next delivery, when he edged his first ball, from Ashwin, just wide of slip for a
boundary, but Shami bowled him for four in the following over, when he played too late on a delivery which moved back sharply and also extracted his middle-stump. Sammy came to the crease and endured a few tense moments with Chanderpaul against Shami to stem the fall of wickets. He managed 16 before he tried to collect his fourth four, off Ojha, and was caught inside the long-off boundary to leave the Windies 172 for six. To a tumultuous roar from the crowd, Shane Shillingford’s 40-minute resistance came to a momentous conclusion, when he was adjudged lbw for five playing defensively forward to Indian batting superstar Sachin Tendulkar to prompt tea with West Indies 192 for seven. After the break, Chanderpaul batted with typical aplomb before Ashwin bowled him, when he played down the wrong line, and there was token resistance from the bowlers. Earlier, Bravo and (Continued on page 32)
Paul De Nobrega is set to defend his Diamond Mineral Water 50-mile Road Race title on Sunday when the 14th edition of the race comes off on the West Demerara road way. The Unattached rider has been enjoying a reasonable year so far but will be hard pressed to retain the title given the current form of Alonzo Greaves, Marlon ‘Fishy’ Williams, both of Roraima Bikers Club and Geron Williams (Continental Cycle Club) among others. Race time on Sunday is 08:00hrs, moving off from the Wales Police Station, We s t B a n k D e m e r a r a proceeding to Bushy Park on the East Bank of Essequibo before returning to
Scoonorde, just before the Demerara Harbour Bridge for the finish. Veterans, mountain bike and female riders will turn back at the Uitvlugt Community Centre. Eight primes will be up for the taking during the course of the race; the top six seniors, three juniors, veterans, mountain bike, females and the first Over-60 rider will all receive prizes. De Nobrega’s winning time last year was Two Hours Two minutes 18 Seconds. Junior Niles will also be defending the veteran title as will mountain biker Julio Melville. A New junior champion will be crowned since last year’s winner; De Nobrega has since graduated to the seniors ranks.
SL sports ministry wants funds allotted for grassroots development SriLanka’sSportsMinistrywill ask Sri Lanka Cricket to set aside 10% of its revenue for cricket development from the start of 2014, a ministry spokesperson has said. The measure aims to ensure appropriate attention is given to growing the game at the grassroots, as the board attempts to lift itself out of heavy debt. “We know that in Colombo and in many big schools, cricket is well resourced,” ministry spokesperson Harsha Abeykoon said. “But this will ensure that even villages and the provinces will have some sort of resources to support cricket. Nationally, there is no more important sport than cricket, and it’s vital that the opportunity to play is available to people everywhere.” The news may complicate SLC’s financial situation in 2014, given the only home international tour scheduled for the year is England’s
limited-overs trip in November. SLC treasurer Nuski Mohamed, however, recently said the board was managing its finances for the time being, thanks largely to new sponsorship and broadcast deals struck earlier this year.Mohamed had also said in April that the board expects the government to wipe a large portion of its debt, and SLC has since requested a government grant for a figure believed to be around LKR 3.2 billion (approx $24.6 million). Mohamed recently said that that request was still under review, but Minister Wimal Weerawansa - a key figure in Sri Lanka’s government - has since labeled the board a strain on the country, criticising it for raising employees’ wages when austerity measures would have been more fitting. SLC also recently made grants to its controlling and affiliated clubs, but most of these are based in Colombo. (ESPN Cricinfo)
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Kaieteur News
Thursday November 07, 2013
East Georgetown focused on tactical battle - at 2013 National Schools’ C/ships
FLASHBACK! East Georgetown march past officials including Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Delma Nedd and GTU President, Colin Bynoe at the National Stadium last year. Though they are yet to singularly win a National Schools’ Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships title, East Georgetown, District 12, remain hopeful that this year could be the one to change that fact, if their tactics go according to plan. East Georgetown last won a National Schools’ Championships title in 1979 when Georgetown was one team; Georgetown now competes as three separate
Districts and Rawle Duke, the Team Manager of East Georgetown, believes tactics is his key to success. “Well to be honest, we are not as strong as usual in track and field. We are trying to focus on the Cycling and Teachers competitions to see if we can win overall,” Duke said, alluding to the fact that his District will be engaged in a tactical battle this year. “If we place highly in the Tr a c k a n d F i e l d a n d Swimming competitions and
win the Cycling and Teachers contests, we could w i n o v e r a l l . We a r e approaching this tactically as a team,” he stated, adding that he knows the strengths and weaknesses of his team. To win the overall title of the National Schools’ Championships, teams must either win or placed highly in the four competitions, namely the teachers, cycling, swimming and track and field competitions. The 2013 Championships is billed for
the National Stadium, November 20-22 with November 19 set aside for Swimming at Castellani Pool. “Our team may not be as strong as North Georgetown (defending overall Champions) or Upper Demerara (defending track and field champs), but we are going to make the most of it; we have some good young athletes,” Duke told this newspaper yesterday. According to the District 12 Sports
Representative, some of his young charges did well last year and are back on his team for the 2013 competition. “Most of them are females, and most of them will compete in the field events,” was all Duke would reveal. Duke reiterated his confidence in winning the Teachers’ Championships when he said that “we have some quality teachers for the Teachers’ Championships; I am keeping my fingers crossed. We are competing;
we are not just going to sports,” he said. For the past 33 years, two Districts have dominated Schools’ Championships; North Georgetown and Upper Demerara River have transformed the nationwide battle into a dual contest. They have combined for a total of 26 victories, shutting out every other District in the New Millennium, but East Georgetown plan to somehow change that this year.
DCB\Raj Singh Insurance over-40 tourney continues Lower East Coast Bulls, We s t B a n k D e m e r a r a Mavericks, Georgetown Bears and Lower East Bank Lions recorded victories when the third round of the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB)/Raj Singh Insurance Brokers over-40 20 overs tournament continued yesterday. At the Georgetown Cricket Club ground, Georgetown Buffaloes went down to Lower East Coast Bulls by 6 wickets. Fitzroy Colley top scored with 77 (12x4,1x6) and was supported by Burty Carmichael 28 not out as
Georgetown posted 158 in 20 overs, batting first. In reply the Bulls made 159 for 4 in 19.1 overs courtesy of Man-of-theMatch Clifton Anderson who led with 58. Seemangal Yadram (29) and L. Gobin (23) were the o t h e r principal contributors. At the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground, West Bank Demerara Mavericks defeated Upper East Coast Titans by 23 runs. Mavericks posted a mammoth 179 for 8 from th e i r 2 0 o v e r s after taking first strike. Man-of-the-match Eon
Williams stroked 51, Emran Sullivan supported with an unbeaten 37 and Shem Persaud made 18. Ramkissoon Sebalak claimed 2 for 16. The East Coast team replied with 157 for 8 in their 20 overs. Eon Abel was their leading batsman with 34 (4x4,2x6), while Mark Malone scored 30 (3x4,1x6) and Jagdesh Persaud 25 ( 3x4,1x6); Williams returned to take 2-10. At the Everest Cricket Club ground, Georgetown Bears whipped Upper East Bank Colts by six runs. Batting first the Bears
compiled a challenging 167 for 5 off their allotted overs. Man-of-the-match Clive Grimmond cracked 59 and received support from Surendra Heralall 37. In reply the Upper East Bank Colts were restricted to 161 for 7. Vijay Ramgobin slammed 57 and skipper Rohan Sarjoo made 37. Carlos Reid and Heralall grabbed figures of 3 for 13 and 2 for 21 respectively. Playing at the Wales Community Centre ground, Lower East Bank Lions d e f e a t e d We s t C o a s t Demerara Seals by threewickets in their encounter.
Clifton Anderson during his innings for lower East Coast Bulls.
Thursday November 07, 2013
Kaieteur News
K&S meet school reps
Page 35
Petra Organisation/Courts Pee Wee Schools Football Competition
Despite favourite tag, St. Pius not taking West Ruimveldt lightly
From left: Roy McArthur, Liaison to the tournament, Ms. Allison Rulings Representative of the Min. of Education, Mr. Kashif Muhammad and Mr. Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major Directors of K&S and Mr. Colin ‘BL’ Aaron, Secretary of K&S at yesterday’s meeting. The Kashif & Shanghai Organization yesterday met with the secondary schools from Georgetown, West Demerara, East Coast & East Bank in an effort to get the ball rolling on participation in this year’s Chico Kashif & Shanghai Secondary Schools Football Championship.
Questions were raised by the representatives of the schools and they were all met with clarification from the organizers they also went through the rules of the tournament and what is expected from all the teams participating. The same will be happening today at Jack’s
restaurant in Linden for the schools participating from that region. The organizers have also make it Clair that from this year’s tournament, there will be selecting an allstar team to represent Guyana against the top schools from Trinidad, St. Lucia & Suriname in April of 2014 in a tournament to be
CONCACAF Women’s U-20 C/ship 2014 Cayman Is
Eight-team event to decide three finalists for FIFA WC in Canada Grand Cayman – The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) conducted the draw for the CONCACAF Women’s Under-20 Championship 2014 Cayman Islands. At the Westin Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman, CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb oversaw proceedings, conducted by General Secretary Enrique Sanz, which determined the groupings and match schedule for the eleven-day football festival to be disputed on Grand Cayman from 9-19 January, 2014. Host Cayman Islands — seeded into Group B — will kick off against Mexico, while defending C O N C A C A F w o m e n ’s under-20 champion United States – seeded in Group A – opens against Central American foe Costa Rica. Jamaica and Guatemala kick off tournament action on January 9, while Trinidad & Tobago and Honduras round out Group B, which begins play the next day. “We can be proud that in women’s youth football, CONCACAF has produced
world class teams that have in many ways set a benchmark in the sport,” said CONCACAF President Webb. The two groups of four teams drawn on Tuesday will participate in roundrobin play over the competition’s first six match days. The top two teams from each group will then advance to the semifinals, to be played on Friday, January 17. The semifinal winners will dispute the final, and qualify directly to join host Canada in representing CONCACAF at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. The winner of the third place match also earns a coveted ticket to the World Cup. “We can be confident that this next CONCACAF Wo m e n ’s U n d e r - 2 0 Championship will showcase players who in 2014 will go to Canada and win more awards for themselves, their country, and CONCACAF,” said Webb. All tournament matches will be held at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex. The United States has won three of the four CONCACAF Women’s
Under-20 Championships to date, including the inaugural tournament in 2006, and the last edition in 2012. Canada was crowned champion in 2008. CONCACAF will host all of FIFA’s Women’s World Cup events in 2014 and 2015, starting with the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica from March 15 to April 15, 2014, followed by the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Canada from August 5 to August 20, 2014 and culminating with the FIFA Women’s World Cup from June 6 to July 5, 2015. CONCACAF Women’s Under-20 Championship 2014 Cayman Islands January 9–19, 2014 Grand Cayman (Truman Bodden Sports Complex) FIRST ROUND GROUPS Group A: United States, Guatemala, Jamaica, Costa Rica Group B: Cayman Islands, Honduras, Trinidad & Tobago, Mexico SCHEDULE (Times U.S. EST and Cayman) GROUP STAGE Thursday, January 9 Guatemala vs. Jamaica, (5:00 p.m.)
This year’s finalist of the Petra Organisation/Courts Pee Wee Schools Football Competition St. Pius seen conducting a practice session yesterday. Unbeaten St. Pius will go into Saturday’s final against West Ruimveldt as the clear favourites to win the title following their impressive run to date in the Petra Organisation/Courts Pee We e S c h o o l s F o o t b a l l Competition. The West La Penitencebased team have so far managed to put away all before them with consumate ease until their semi-final matchup against nemesis East La Penitence, who they defeated on penalty kicks after regulation and extra time failed to break a nil-all deadlock. That was their toughest game to date and Kaieteur Sport caught up with Teacher Mark Alleyne during a practice ssession that was being conducted on the school ground yesterday for comments relating to their chances of winning the title and keeping their unbeaten streak alive. According to Alleyne, despite the favourite tag, they are not taking their opponents lightly and have
Mark Alleyne been working assidiously to remedy most of the weak areas that were detected in their lacklustre display against East La Penitence last week. He pointed out that they’ve been working on strengthening their defensive structure, which according to him became a little exposed, while their passing was uncharacteristically awful, by their standards, and that too they’ve been attending to a h e a d o f S a t u r d a y ’s championship showdown. Alleyne, however, was
confident that they would win, adding that once the players remain focused and stick to what they’ve learnt over the past week then everything should be fine, referring to victory. “We have a good chance of winning this tournament and looking at how West Ruimveldt have played to date I believe that if we pass the ball around we will be able to create numerous chances for our strikers to score,” Alleyne opined. Asked to pinpoint some of the players who he felt could be key to victory, Alleyne mentioned tournament leading goalscorer Bevney Mark, Marcus Wilson, Rayheim Ramsey and Camacy Davis as those whose performances will be crucial to their chances of lifting the coveted title. Alleyne urged all teachers, football fans and more importantly parents to come out at the Banks DIH ground to witness the future stars of the sport exhibit their raw talent. Admission is free.
More gold for Alia Jamaica Observer Jamaica’s Alia Atkinson won her third consecutive 100 breaststroke gold medal on the FINA World Cup tour Tuesday in Singapore. In another dazzling display of explosive speed, Atkinson again easily dominated her competition. Reacting fastest to the gun in .63 of a second, she went out like a rocket, and was ahead of the field at the 50-metre mark by over a second with her split of 29.89. Atkinson was once again flirting with
the world record pace set by Lithuanian Ruta Meilutyt of 29.56. Atkinson, who has the record in all breaststroke events for Jamaica, came back the fastest as well with a split of 33.59 seconds to win in a time of 1:03.48 minutes. Her nearest competitor was Japan’s Mio Motegi, who ended in 1:05.29 minutes. Atkinson was not among the medals in the 200 individual medley, placing sixth in 2:09.31 minutes. The
event was won Hungarian World Cup tour leader and world record holder Katinka Hosszu in 2:05.33 minutes. She was followed home by Australians Emily Seebohm and Alicia Coutts in 2:07.10 and 2:07.32 minutes, respectively. Atkinson has so far won 17 medals on the tours so far, having copped gold medals in the 100m and 50m breaststroke, and bronze in the 100m individual medley at the Eindhoven meet; silver (Continued on page 29)
t r o Sp
Batting collapse undermines WI
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Marlon Samuels drives through the off-side. (BCCI)
Mohammad Shami celebrates bringing the West Indies’ innings to a close when he bowled Sheldon Cottrell. (BCCI)
CMRC November 24 Meet
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Two faces for the future in motor racing Matthew Vieira
Nikhil Seereeram
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